Feb 14, 2003 09:34 PM
7114 Views
(Updated Nov 17, 2003 10:31 AM)
This article depicts my fresh experience both at reservation centre and in the train itself. The first bad experience happened with me in reservation office and second bad experience happened with very old couple (70+).
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1st : Maninagar - Ahemdabad , 9.45 AM 13 Feb 2003
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Train Numbers
I went to registration centre, I took form, obviously I cant remember the train number of all trains, but I wrote train name (Shatabdi exp) and requested officer to fill in the number (he has to search in computer which takes 1 second), still he said ''I dont know, you go and search and get it''. I then went to find number, somewhere in the corner I got the list and I got the number.
I came to officer, as soon as I came to window, the guy said ''2010 Shatabdi is scheduled at 2.35PM, you might not get seat today, you will be in waiting list''. Look the guy knew the number, still he told me to run and fill the number.
Class of Travelling
As I was travelling first time, I didnt know how many classes are there in the train. There can be 1st AC, 2nd AC, 1st Non AC Chair, 2nd Non AC Chair, Sleeper etc. So I left that field blank and said ''I am ready to go by any class which is available. So tell me where I will get seat and I will write that class''. The officer said ''Its not my job, You write class first then only submit the form''. I wrote 2nd/1st .. Then he said ''Shatabdi doesnt have 2nd or 1st etc, it has only one class AC chair class, write that''. Now I had to take new form and write everything again. This was so frustrating and also time consuming.
Conclusion
I was travelling by this train first time and I had been to ahemdabad first time in my life, so how can I know about class and numbers of train. Shouldnt these guy be a bit polite and help new travellers?. Shouldnt there be a list of trains with classes and fairs written somewhere? Shouldnt there be an interactive computer where a new traveller can search and get it. Obviously there is an Enquiry Counter, but guess what, it is often empty, or it is overqueued..
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2nd In Train, Shatabdi Exp, 5.20 PM Feb 13 2003 From Ahemdabad To Bombay
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Old Cople 70+ Age came in the coach
I got into train and I was sitting on my seat. A very old couple of age (70+) came in the coach, they were hardly able to walk comfertably. People helped them to get into train and arranged their luggage and their seats. They sat down.
Ticket Checkr Asking Proof of Age
Ticket Checker came. He asked for tickets. The old guy (Mr Patel) took out his tickets, he was senior citizen so he got 30% concession. Now Ticket Checker asked proof of his age that proves him in category of senior citizen. As I saw by my eye, Mr Patel was hardly able to stand without his stick. The ticket checker was rude and said ''you need to carry the proof. Show me the proof, driviing license or passport''.
Mr Patel unable to find the proof
Mr Patel, started searching his luggage. This scene made other passengers angry, and ticket checker said that it is written on ticket that you need to carry the age proof. Mr Patel searched over 20-30 papers in his bag and still not getting any proof, he didnt carry any important documents since his pocket and money got stolen three times in last week (he was actually from USA). I agree that he was also in fault not to carry the documents, but at his age, when he cant even stand without its stick, you must grant him some mutual concession. The ticket checker asked to pay the fine of 400 Rs. Mr Patel said ''what kind of rules are these? The proof is needed only to check whether someone is cheating or not. Look at my age, can I cheat?''.
Arguement continued for half an hour
The arguement continued for long time, even other passengers got angry. But Ticket checker said you dont interfere. After some time Mr Patel found his medical certificate. (By this time, he opened all his suitcases and everything was shuffled). We helped him to pack everything. Ticket Checker saw the proof and went. Mr Patel said ''I will definately write this as my worst experience in indian railway in news papers''. However I wish this review helps Mr Patel and other poor fellows who become victom of such ticket checkers and they have to pay in case if they dont find any proof.
Conclusion
1 Rules are made for consistancy of system.
2 Rules like carrying proof are made to check against cheating.
3 Mr Patel's arguement was 100% valid. He was looking 70+ by his moves in the coach. Ticket checker must take such things into consideration.
And obviously at end stage of life, when people are hardly able to walk and travel, they should not be forced to carry the proof, such people cant even remember things very well.
