The average speed of the fastest train between Visakhapatnam and Secunderabad (22203/04 Duronto Express) has been reduced from 69 kmph to 67 kmph during the last revision of the time table.
The high-speed train, which used to take just 10 hours to cover the 699 km distance between the two cities now takes 10 hours 25 minutes for the same distance. As if this is not enough, there are frequent complaints of the prestigious train being detained at the Kancharapalem outer signal adding to the agony of passengers coming to Visakhapatnam.
“The train (22204) started at the right time from Secunderabad. I was told it was running as per schedule till it reached Tuni. It was scheduled to have arrived at 6.35 a.m. in Visakhapatnam Junction on Sunday but was detained below the flyover at Kancharapalem for about 20 minutes,” said CPI(M) State secretariat member Ch. Narasinga Rao, who was returning after attending a national seminar on public sector enterprises in Hyderabad.
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“The train finally reached Visakhapatnam around 7.15 a.m., 40 minutes behind schedule. I was in the S 6 coach. There was no water in one of the toilets right from Secunderabad and in the other toilet also water ran out in no time,” Mr. Narasinga Rao said.
The only halt for this train is at Vijayawada, which comes around midnight. Passengers cannot have a cup of coffee or tea after waking up as there is no pantry car.
The AP State Road Transport Corporation (APS RTC) has come out with a host of passenger-friendly initiatives for its customers.
Information kiosks have been installed at the Dwaraka Bus Station (DBS) Complex, popularly known as RTC Complex, by RTC Managing Director N. Sambasiva Rao recently.
Passengers can use the touch screen kiosks to track the location of their bus, the expected time of arrival and departure, the availability of various categories of buses like ultra deluxe and AC services on long distance routes.
They can also download the RTC mobile app on their smart phone to track their bus from anywhere.
The information kiosks and the mobile app are a big hit with passengers. The 25 per cent concession being extended to senior citizens (60 years and above) on all types of services, is expected to draw more passengers to our services, says RTC Regional Manager G. Sudesh Kumar.