The Indian Railways, often criticized for passenger service lapses, showed its commitment to public service in an extraordinary way when a delayed train threatened the wedding plans of Chandrashekhar Wagh. The groom, traveling with 34 family members, faced a crisis when the Gitanjali Express, en route from Mumbai to Guwahati, was delayed by 3–4 hours. The delay meant they would miss their connecting train, the Saraighat Express, from Kolkata’s Howrah station.
An Urgent Appeal on Social Media
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Wagh turned to social media for help. He reached out to Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw via X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing the plight of his entourage, which included senior citizens. With no viable alternative transport for such a large group, Wagh feared missing his wedding altogether.
Swift Response from Railways
The response from the Railways was swift and coordinated. Acting on instructions from the Railways Minister, the General Manager of Eastern Railways, along with the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) and Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (Sr DCM) of Howrah, took immediate action.
- Holding the Saraighat Express: The connecting train at Howrah was held to accommodate the delayed passengers.
- Expediting the Gitanjali Express: The train’s pilot was briefed to ensure it reached Howrah as quickly as possible.
- Efficient Passenger Transfer: Station staff at Howrah prepared for a seamless transfer of passengers and luggage from Platform 21 to Platform 9, where the Saraighat Express awaited.
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Timely Arrival Saves the Day
Thanks to these efforts, the Gitanjali Express arrived at Howrah ahead of its revised schedule. The station staff efficiently facilitated the transfer, ensuring all 35 members of Wagh’s party boarded the Saraighat Express within minutes.
Gratitude and Praise
Chandrashekhar Wagh expressed heartfelt thanks to the Railways, saying, “This was not just a service but an act of immense kindness. Without this intervention, my family and I would have missed an irreplaceable moment in our lives. I am deeply grateful to the Indian Railways.”
Eastern Railway’s Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO), Kaushik Mitra, remarked, “We are always ready to serve our passengers. Today’s effort reflects our commitment to going above and beyond for them. Our best wishes to the groom.”
Through their timely intervention, the Indian Railways ensured that a once-in-a-lifetime moment was not missed, earning the gratitude of the passengers and showcasing their dedication to customer service.
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