Surat Needs More Long Distance Trains with Second Class Sleeper Coaches

Surat : Surat, a major economic hub in Gujarat, is facing a shortage of long distance trains with second class sleeper coaches. This is making it difficult for migrants and other passengers to travel to their hometowns in a hassle-free manner.

In train number 12833 Ahmedabad-Howrah Express, there are only six second class sleeper reservation coaches against 12 air conditioned coaches. This means that passengers who cannot afford to travel in air conditioned coaches have to wait for long periods of time to get a reservation in the second class sleeper coaches.

The situation is same in all the long distance trains where the air conditioned coaches outnumber the second class sleeper coaches. This has resulted in the passengers overcrowding the railway station to gain entry into the coaches on the general tickets during the festival season.

The shortage of second class sleeper coaches is particularly problematic for migrants, who form a significant proportion of Surat’s population. Migrants often travel long distances to their hometowns during festivals and holidays. The shortage of second class sleeper coaches makes it difficult for them to book tickets and travel comfortably.

The railway ministry has been criticized for focusing on the construction of new air conditioned coaches and neglecting the second class sleeper coaches. The critics argue that the railway ministry has become an earning instrument for the government and is no longer concerned about the comfort of the middle-class and poor passengers.

The Surat Rail Passengers Association has demanded that the railway ministry increase the number of second class sleeper coaches in long distance trains. The association has also demanded that the railway ministry reduce the fares of second class sleeper coaches.