Train delay threatens groom's wedding, Railways puts it right on track

The drama unfolded when the groom, travelling with his family from Mumbai to Guwahati on the Gitanjali Express, realised that a 3-4 hour delay in their train would cause them to miss their connecting train.

The Railways, often in the news due to apathy over passenger services, recently went the last mile after a delayed train threatened to derail the wedding plans of one Chandrashekhar Wagh. However, swift action by the Railway authorities ensured the groom and his 34-member party made it to his wedding day on time.

Chandrashekhar Wagh was travelling with his relatives from Mumbai to Guwahati on the Gitanjali Express, which had a delay of 3–4 hours. Wagh soon realised that the delay would cause them to miss their connecting train, the Saraighat Express from Kolkata's Howrah station.

Without wasting any time, Wagh took to X and alerted Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw about the gravity of the situation. Wagh highlighted that his entourage included senior citizens. With no viable alternatives to arrange transport for 34 passengers, Wagh feared he wouldn't be able to reach his own wedding on time.

However, much to the groom's delight, the response from the minister was immediate. Under the direction of the General Manager of Eastern Railways and with the coordinated efforts of the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) and Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (Sr DCM) of Howrah, a series of actions were set in motion.

The Saraighat Express was held briefly at Howrah. Simultaneously, the pilot of the Gitanjali Express was briefed about the situation and instructed to expedite its arrival. The Railways made all arrangements so that the Gitanjali Express could arrive at its destination without any delay.

Amid this, the station staff at Howrah prepared for the swift transfer of passengers and their luggage from Platform 21 to Platform 9, where the Saraighat Express was stationed.

Due to these efforts, the Gitanjali Express arrived at Howrah ahead of its revised schedule. As soon as it arrived, the Railway staff ensured that all the 35 members boarded the Saraighat Express within a few minutes.

Expressing his gratitude, Wagh said, "This was not just a service but an act of immense kindness. Without this intervention, my family and I would have missed an irreplaceable moment in our lives. I am deeply grateful to the Indian Railways."

Kaushik Mitra, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Eastern Railway, said, "We are always ready to serve our passengers. Today's effort reflects our commitment to going above and beyond for them. Our best wishes to the groom."