Express train arrives without reserved coach, passengers complain

Passengers travelling on the Nagabali Express have alleged serious lapses after the train arrived without a reserved coach meant for them, triggering confusion and inconvenience at Sambalpur railway station in Odisha.

According to the complaint, several passengers were waiting to board a specific reserved coach when the train arrived. However, the designated coach was found to be missing, forcing them to board another coach at the last moment. The affected passengers later sent a video message seeking help and highlighting their grievance.

The passengers stated that they had booked reserved tickets in the BE-2 coach of the Nagabali Express (Train No. 20809). However, when the train departed from Sambalpur railway station, only the BE-1 coach was attached, while the BE-2 coach was reportedly missing from the rake.

Following the incident, the passengers approached the Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) for assistance. According to the passengers, the TTE asked them to occupy another coach but did not provide a satisfactory explanation or a proper resolution to their problem. They alleged that despite holding valid reserved tickets, they were forced to adjust under difficult circumstances.

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If the allegations are found to be true, the incident raises serious questions about operational lapses and passenger management by the Railways. The absence of a reserved coach not only caused inconvenience but also led to anxiety among travellers, particularly those with confirmed reservations.

When officials of the Sambalpur railway division were contacted regarding the matter, they said that no clear information was available at the moment. The Nagabali Express operates between Sambalpur in Odisha and Nanded in Maharashtra.

“There was plan to attach another coach to the train. However, it could not be done due to some technical issues. We didn't intend to halt the train and make other passengers wait. There was vacancy in other coaches and the passengers were accommodated in the train. Another coach will be attached from Vishakhapatnam. We are monitoring the situation and the passengers will not face any problems,” said Deepak Rout, Chief PRO of ECoR, Bhubaneswar.