Widespread Train Delays Cause Havoc for Passengers at Chandigarh Railway Station
Rail passengers in Chandigarh endured significant travel disruptions on Thursday as persistent train delays continued to plague services, with at least 10 trains arriving late at the city's railway station. The widespread delays severely disrupted travel plans and resulted in extended waiting hours for commuters, highlighting ongoing operational challenges in the region's rail network.
Premium Services Suffer Significant Setbacks
Among the most severely affected services was the 14217 Unchahar Express originating from Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), which reached Chandigarh at 7.38 pm—a staggering more than 10 hours behind its scheduled arrival time of 9.15 am. This represents one of the most substantial delays reported during the day's disruptions.
Premium train services, typically known for their reliability, were not spared from the delays. The 12005 Kalka Shatabdi Express (evening service) arrived at 10.55 pm, experiencing a delay of 2 hours and 30 minutes against its scheduled arrival of 8.30 pm. Railway officials attributed this delay to the train being stranded for nearly 3 hours at Badli station, located on the outskirts of Delhi, due to damage to an overhead transmission (OHT) wire.
Another premium service, the 12045 Chandigarh Shatabdi Express, also arrived late by 46 minutes. Officials confirmed that this delay occurred because the train departed late from its originating station in Delhi, indicating coordination issues in the scheduling chain.
Vande Bharat and Additional Shatabdi Services Impacted
The 22447 Amb Andaura Vande Bharat Express, a modern flagship service, reached Chandigarh at 9.14 am instead of its scheduled 8.45 am arrival, running 30 minutes late. Similarly, the 12011 Kalka Shatabdi Express (morning service) arrived at 12.21 pm, approximately 41 minutes behind its scheduled arrival time of 11.07 am.
Long-Distance Trains Experience Severe Delays
Long-distance trains reported more substantial delays throughout the day. The 12449 Goa Sampark Kranti Express reached Chandigarh at 8.07 pm, arriving around 2 hours later than its scheduled arrival time of 6.25 pm. The 22355 Chandigarh–Lucknow Superfast Express also arrived approximately 2 hours late, reaching at 7.25 pm instead of its planned 5.25 pm arrival.
Other important services from Lucknow faced similar disruptions. Both the Lucknow–Chandigarh Express and the 12231 Sadbhavna Express arrived nearly 1 hour behind schedule, compounding travel difficulties for passengers on these routes.
Passenger Frustration Mounts Over Operational Reliability
Passengers expressed mounting frustration over the cascading effects of these delays, including missed onward connections, disrupted work schedules, and prolonged waiting times at stations. Many travelers noted with concern that delays in premium trains such as the Shatabdi and Vande Bharat services—traditionally celebrated for their speed and punctuality—are becoming increasingly frequent occurrences.
This pattern raises significant questions about operational efficiency and reliability within the railway system, particularly for services that command premium fares based on their reputation for timely performance. The recurring nature of these disruptions suggests systemic issues that require attention to restore passenger confidence and ensure smoother travel experiences in the future.
