Passengers Halt Vande Bharat Train at Goniana Station Amid Growing Anger Over Delays
Passengers in Punjab’s Bathinda district halted a Vande Bharat Express at Goniana station, protesting routine delays caused when local passenger trains are held back to prioritize the premium service. The incident highlights rising commuter frustration and renewed concerns over railway scheduling practices.
According to accounts from the spot, passengers claimed that the practice of halting slower, short-distance services had become a daily occurrence, significantly extending their travel times. They argued that when local trains are delayed to accommodate faster express services, they are the ones who ultimately bear the inconvenience, often reaching their destinations late despite already tight schedules.
The demonstration led to a brief stoppage of the Vande Bharat train at Goniana, drawing the attention of railway staff and prompting efforts to pacify the crowd. While no major disruption or law-and-order concerns were reported, the incident highlighted ongoing tensions between operational priorities of premium trains and the daily needs of local commuters.
As rail traffic eventually resumed, the episode served as a reminder of the broader challenge faced by railway authorities in balancing high-speed connectivity with the reliability of essential passenger services. Commuters at Goniana stressed the need for more equitable time management, noting that the recurring delays not only affect their travel but also disrupt work routines and daily commitments. The incident is expected to renew calls for a review of scheduling practices to prevent similar confrontations in the future.

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