Mumbai, July 15 -- The Vadodara-Dahod Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) service has been temporarily suspended for 26 days after its rake was diverted to Odisha to manage the surge in passenger traffic during the annual Rath Yatra in Puri.
Indian Railways redeployed several MEMU rakes from different zones to meet the additional travel demand for the festival scheduled from the seventh of July to the second of August. As a result, train numbers 69233 and 69234 operating between Vadodara and Dahod will remain cancelled for the duration. Railway authorities advised passengers to use alternative train services or other modes of transport.
The suspension is expected to cause significant inconvenience to thousands of daily commuters who rely on the service for work, education and business. The MEMU is regarded as a lifeline on the route for students, private sector employees, patients, government staff and small traders because it offers an affordable and convenient option. Commuters travelling between Dahod, Godhra, Halol and Vadodara will face reduced rail connectivity. Many will be forced to alter daily schedules and travel plans.
The MEMU connects several intermediate stations, including Limkheda, Piplod, Sant Road, Godhra, Derol, Kharsaliya, Champaner Road and Samlaya, where most express trains do not halt. For passengers using smaller stations the suspended service removes one of the only practical rail options on the route. Although a number of express services operate between major centres, limited halts mean local passengers cannot reasonably use those services. The result is increased reliance on buses, private vehicles and shared transport.
The disruption is likely to push many commuters towards costlier alternatives and raise daily travel expenses, according to local reports. Local officials and commuter groups are assessing interim arrangements and timetables to mitigate hardship during the suspension period. Some passengers will consider flexible work or study arrangements while others may incur higher outlays for connectivity. Authorities indicated normal service will resume once the rakes return after festival operations.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.