The popular Mumbai-Manmad Panchvati Express that connects Mumbai and Nashik was relaunched on 9 May 2018 with better and comfortable Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches to improve the overall customer experience, owing to the fact that it has been a popular choice amongst tourists and businessmen alike since its inception on 1 November 1975, as reported by the Mumbai Mirror.
Four months since, the coaches of the train lie in dilapidated condition. Passengers have either stolen or savaged parts of the coaches including- armrests, snack tables, magazine holders, handles to recline seats, curtain pieces, health faucets, washroom mugs, taps, flush valves, mirrors and dustbins.
The damages incurred to the Central Railway amounts to Rs 9 lakh.
In an appeal to the passengers, the Central Railway’s chief public relations officer Sunil Udasi requested passenger’s help in curbing vandalism and maintaining the service. He added, “If people keep causing such damage, it will be difficult for the Central Railway to maintain the rake to a reasonable standard.”
Last year Railway officials reported a similar incident of vandalism by the passengers of the new Mumbai-Goa Tejas Superfast Express which was equipped with state-of-the-art modern facilities such as LED screens, Wi-Fi etc.
Also read: Faced With Delinquent Passengers, Railways To Strip Tejas Express Of LCD Screens, Other Facilities