Nagpur-Mumbai AC Sleeper Bus Strands 40 Passengers Overnight on Samruddhi Expressway
An overnight bus journey from Nagpur to Mumbai transformed into a distressing and prolonged ordeal for forty passengers traveling on the Samruddhi Expressway this past Saturday. The AC sleeper bus, operated by Sanjay Travels, developed a mechanical failure at approximately 2:30 AM, leaving the travelers stranded on a remote stretch near the outskirts of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar for over ten grueling hours.
Passengers Endure Harrowing Conditions Without Assistance
The journey, which commenced on Friday evening, quickly descended into chaos as passengers found themselves isolated on a dark, desolate highway with heavy vehicles speeding past. Initial panic soon gave way to mounting anger as repeated attempts to contact the travel operator yielded little to no response. Many passengers reported feeling unsafe and completely abandoned in the situation.
"We kept calling, but no one took responsibility," stated Dinesh Tople, one of the affected passengers. "The travel operator cited weekend rush and vehicle shortages as reasons for the delay. We had paid an extra Rs 2,200 instead of the regular Rs 1,600 fare for this weekend trip."
Diverse Group of Travelers Faces Significant Disruptions
The stranded group included families burdened with luggage, students carrying crucial exam documents, and professionals heading for important meetings. Among them was Yogesh Shelke, who missed a critical recruitment exam at the Bombay High Court due to the breakdown. Shelke expressed his frustration, noting he would have to wait an entire year for another opportunity to attempt the exam.
As dawn approached, some passengers ventured off the bus in search of help, while others remained inside, concerned for their safety. The replacement bus finally arrived around 12:30 PM on Saturday, reaching Mumbai late that night, but the delay had already caused substantial personal and professional disruptions.
Travel Operator's Statement and Passenger Contradictions
Sanjay Travels released an official statement explaining their response to the incident. They claimed to have immediately contacted an authorized service center, which initially assured repairs within an hour. However, after nearly four hours, they were informed the required part was unavailable.
The operator stated they dispatched a replacement bus from Nashik, the closest location with standby vehicles, at 8:00 AM. This bus was reportedly delayed by approximately one hour due to a truck accident en route. The company also mentioned attempting to arrange alternative vehicles through travel operators in Aurangabad without success.
According to the statement, complimentary snacks were provided to passengers, and a full refund has been offered. However, several passengers strongly contested these claims, alleging that no food or refreshments were provided during the entire ten-hour ordeal.
Broader Implications for Travel Safety and Operator Accountability
This incident highlights significant concerns regarding passenger safety protocols and operator responsiveness during emergencies on India's expressways. The extended period of isolation without adequate communication or support raises questions about contingency planning for such breakdowns, especially during peak travel periods like weekends.
The contrasting accounts between the travel operator and passengers further underscore the need for transparent communication and reliable assistance mechanisms in the transportation sector. As expressway travel increases across the country, ensuring passenger welfare during unforeseen circumstances remains a critical priority for both operators and regulatory authorities.
