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Vashi2Panvel.com: Navi Mumbai: October 26: It was a pleasant Wednesday morning for Professor Sushma Ray until she chanced upon an aggressive and rude ‘babu’ at Seawoods railway station ticket counter at around 7.10 who refused to open the ticket window. “I had to reach Kalina University at 8 and I was already running late. When I asked the ticket counter personnel to open the window he just refused to do so. In fact, he started an argument with me - ‘you’ll have to wait for another half an hour before you get the ticket’,” says an irritated Ray.

Though it was only 7, the commuters had already queued up and were waiting for the royal Babu to open the counter before they could board the train. “I saw two trains go by me but I could not do anything as I was ticketless. When I requested him again he shot back, “Jisko bhi complaint karna hai karo. Thodi der ruk nahin sakte kya?’(Complain to whomever you wish to. Can’t you wait for some time?),” complaints Ray.

Commuters from Panvel are mouthing the same grievances. “The ticket counter closes before the lunch hours. Only one counter is opened in the meanwhile. Panvel is one of the most crowded stations in Navi Mumbai and there is always a huge queue of commuters at the ticket counter. It’s very irritating at times, especially when you are in a hurry,” says Rizwana Rahim, a student.

Many commuters also feel that the three ticket counters at Panvel are not really utilised to its fullest. “I’ve noticed that during peak hours only one counter is opened though there are other counters as well. I hardly remember seeing all the three counters open at the same time. It’s very very rare,” informs Surekha Thepe, an office goer who regularly commutes between Panvel and CST.

Vashi2Panvel.com spoke to the concerned Railway official who have registered the complaint and have also promised an investigation. “I’ve registered your complaint with me. We will surely look into the matter and put things back on track,” says SP Rana, Chief Vigilance officer, Central Railway. At the same time, AK Singh, PRO-Central Railway has promised an instant investigation into the matter. “I don’t think any such thing can happen. Our top priority is passengers’ convenience. We always try our best to provide them with all the required amenities. We certainly cannot tolerate such behaviour from our employees. I’ll make sure these complaints are addressed as soon as possible,” he promised.

The PRO has promised for an immediate redressal. All we can do is, wait and watch.

Swati Pandey