Justin D’Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Jun 22: Regular commuters of the Matsyagandha Express, a vital lifeline connecting Mumbai with the coastal regions of Udupi and Mangaluru, have raised their voices for a much-needed upgradation of the train and its facilities. Despite its 25 years of service, the train remains outdated, with numerous complaints about its deteriorating condition.
The Matsyagandha Express, a crucial mode of transportation for thousands, has not seen significant upgrades since its inception. The passengers, who rely heavily on this service, have been increasingly frustrated with the poor state of the train. The existing Integral Coach Factory (ICF) coaches are seen as outdated and uncomfortable, prompting a strong demand for the introduction of modern Like Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches, known for their enhanced safety and comfort.
In response to the growing dissatisfaction, commuters have initiated a social media campaign, drawing attention to their plight and urging railway authorities to take immediate action. The campaign has gained significant traction, catching the attention of railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).
Dhiraj Shetty Mijar, social media influencer and one of the first person to bring the issue to social media campaign in an Instagram post said "Dear Ashwini Vaishnaw ji. Please do not deny us the basic rights of journey comfort. My people have been literally begging for this upgrade for several years. The toilets are horrible, the seats are torn, it makes double the sound of LHB coaches. There are lakhs of commuters travelling on this route in a month & you need to fulfil this basic right. No problem if you and your team in IRCTC do not respond to this message, but our faith will be restored in governance if you all take action the same at the earliest. Travel fare hike has been substantial in recent times, but we cannot see the desired changes."
The introduction of LHB coaches is seen as a vital step towards improving the travel experience. LHB coaches are designed with advanced technology that offers better safety features, reduced noise levels, and enhanced riding comfort. These coaches are also equipped with modern amenities, including improved toilet facilities, which are a significant upgrade from the current ICF coaches. Indian railways is planning to move fully to LHB coaches by 2030.
Speaking to daijiworld.com, Kevin John Pinto, a Mumbai-based another frequent traveller on the train said, "I recently did a nostalgia trip and purposely booked the sleeper coach of Matsyagandha express and the coaches are in very bad condition. In certain sections where it did 100 kmph there was extreme rattling and sideways swinging in the coaches. It feels like it's on the edge about to break. For a 25-year-old iconic train of Konkan railways, this is really disgraceful. As a part of the new garib rath updates, even Lokmanya Tilak Terminus to Kochuveli garib rath gets updated to new 3AC economy but both Mangaluru Express and Matsyagandha are just given the same 20-year-old coaches of ICF. We introduced Vande Bharat in Mangaluru-Madgaon route with less than 40% occupancy and the daily high speed runner Mangaluru Express has been delayed daily for the past 6 months. Why is the Mangaluru section so underrated and ignored?"
Travellers are urging the railway authorities to prioritize this upgrade. They highlight that the improvement of the Matsyagandha Express will not only enhance the travel experience but also boost the connectivity and economic development of the coastal regions. Many frequent travellers of the region have supported the movement and have also urged for the merging of the Konkan railway to Indian railways.