Pune : Panvel-Nanded Train Halted for Hours at Pune Railway Station Due to Cockroach Infestation in AC Coach

PUNE: A shocking incident has come to light as the Panvel to Nanded train journey turned into an unexpected ordeal for passengers due to a distressing cockroach infestation. The train, en route to Nanded, was unexpectedly brought to a halt at Pune station, where it remained stationary for the past two to three hours. Passengers united in their determination, refusing to allow the train to proceed until the vexing cockroach issue was effectively addressed.

The air-conditioned compartment of the train transformed into a scene of discomfort and inconvenience as a swarm of cockroaches made their presence felt. Agitated passengers, upon reaching Pune station, decided to take matters into their own hands, initiating a protest to halt the train’s onward journey. Promptly, railway personnel and ticket collectors rushed to the scene, aiming to assuage the growing unrest among passengers. However, their attempts were met with resolute demands from the passengers: the cockroach problem had to be resolved before the train could resume its journey.

For the past two hours, passengers aboard train 17613, bound from Panvel to Nanded, have held the train in a state of standstill at Pune railway station, citing the pervasive cockroach infestation as their reason. A unified voice echoed through the station, with passengers emphatically asserting that the train should not progress until the cockroach menace was eradicated.

The ill-fated journey commenced at 4 pm from Panvel, destined for Nanded. Yet, shortly after departure, the train’s AC coach became an unfortunate playground for the cockroach invasion. These unwelcome insects seemed to be ubiquitous, finding their way onto berths, passengers’ attire, and even infiltrating the restroom facilities. A profound sense of disappointment and frustration permeated the air as passengers, who had invested in higher-priced tickets, found themselves deprived of the expected comforts. Fueled by their collective dissatisfaction, they rallied to halt the train’s movement beyond Pune station. Despite the best efforts of the ticket collector and railway personnel, the passengers remained unwavering in their stance.

In its reply, the Pune Railway Authorities stated, “A message was received from on board ticket checking staff Datta Gaikwad of Latur depot( who was manning the train) that many passengers were complaining regarding cockroaches in B1 coach . This information was shared with mechanical control, Pune for taking necessary action at Pune station. The train arrived Pune station at 19:15 Hrs (Sch Arr 19:25 Hr). On arrival at Pune station, Senior section Engineer/carriage& wagon and cleaning staff immediately went to attend the coach and tried to attend the issue by spraying hit spray for quick relief. However some passengers did not agreed for the same. Rather they demanded replacement of coach. All the railway staffs including RPF staff and TTE staff tried to convince and persuade the passengers for spraying hit spray as a immediate measure and further cleaning and pest control measures will be done en route and on the next station so that train doesn’t get detained at Pune station but passengers were not agreeing for it and were doing ACP regularly. Replacement of coach was not possible. Further, railway officers convinced the passengers and assured them that suitable measures will be taken to assist them enroute. 1 Senior section engineer and 4 staffs including 2 cleaning staffs were deputed to accompany the train and do pest control measures upto Kurduwadi station. After a lot of persuasion, the aggrieved passengers agreed to allow C&W staff to carry out pest control measures and train departed at 20:42 hrs. Nanded division of South Central Railway (where primary maintenance of this train is done) has been requested to take action against the concerned agency for the deficiency and has been asked to avoid such incidents in future. Moreover, passengers are kindly requested to co-operate with the railways and allow the staff to work as per the standard procedures for addressing different deficiencies and thus to improve the service and to maintain the punctuality of trains.”

The incident gained momentum on social media platforms as videos and images documenting the cockroach invasion within the AC compartment went viral. Passengers used these platforms to vent their frustration and share their outrage, underscoring the need for swift action to address such alarming incidents.

Madhupriya Dhanwate