On the eve of the 78th birthday of the historical Pune-Mumbai Deccan Queen train, the annoyed passengers said, “We want the Deccan Queen to reach Mumbai by 9.30 am. It reaches Kalyan before time and then slows down because preference is given to the Mumbai-bound locals.”

The Queen is like a home for passengers, many of whom have been travelling by it for over a decade. The number of pass holders stands at 1,500, office-goers and businessmen outnumbering others. “The timings of the train have not changed in accordance with the needs of the passengers. The train needs to reach Mumbai at 9.30 am,” said Prakash Sankpal, general secretary of Pune-Mumbai Railway Pravasi Sangh.

“Its departure timing (7.15 am) from Pune is suitable for the daily passengers as the first train to Mumbai, Sinhgad Express, is too early (6.05 am). We want the train to fulfil its super fast reputation," said Sankpal.

Apart from the timings, there are other demands too. “At present, we have 89 seats reserved in ladies’ compartment. There is no signboard outside the bogie to indicate it. Passengers who don’t have passes also board this bogie leading to fights for seats,” said Vrushali Gaikwad. “We have written to the Mumbai and Pune divisional managers about it, but both of them are trying to pass the buck,” said Nimisha Balwally.

“The timing issue is difficult to solve. We are not adding any bogie for the pass holders,” said Y K Singh, public relation officer, Pune Railway Division.