After repeated instances of broken LCD screens, stolen headphones, snapped wires and damaged power outlets, Indian Railways has decided to strip the Mumbai-Goa Tejas Express of the said amenities, Hindustan Times has reported.
The Tejas Express was launched amid much fanfare in May last year as a premium offering of the Indian Railways. It is India’s first semi-high speed train and was equipped with state of the art facilities upon its inauguration.
The train had faced similar issues upon its launch but the Railways had hoped that the thefts and damage would come to a halt with time. However, the mischiefs have continued and hence the Railways has been forced to take this step.
The facilities in a similar train, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Shatabdi Express will also be withdrawn and the order has been sent to the zonal units of the Railways.
“The order was issued in February and all the zonal railways will start removing the devices soon,” said a senior railway board official.
However, the Railways is now moving to provide Wi-Fi in all the trains which was only available in premium trains till now.
Ved Prakash, Director of Information and Publicity, Railway Board said “We reviewed the Tejas Express and found that the infotainment devices are getting damaged frequently. The devices will be removed as passengers use smart phone and the hotspot Wi-Fi facility will be available in trains.”