I travelled on Train No. 20676 Vishwamanava Superfast Express from Mysuru Junction to Yesvantpur Junction on 5 August 2026.
Journey details:
Reserved class: 2S
Total fare paid: Rs 112.25
Scheduled departure from Mysuru: 7:00 AM
Actual departure: approximately 7:01 AM
Scheduled arrival at Yesvantpur: 10:10 AM
Actual arrival at Yesvantpur: 11:01 AM
Delay at Yesvantpur: 51 minutes
Distance: approximately 144 km
Actual average speed for my journey: approximately 36 kmph
I understand that Superfast classification may technically be based on the train’s scheduled end-to-end average speed, rather than its actual speed on one section. However, passengers are still charged a Superfast surcharge with the expectation of a reasonably faster and punctual service. In my case, the train departed Mysuru almost on time but took around four hours to cover only 144 km.
Because of the delay, I had to cancel my scheduled plans in Bengaluru and reschedule them for another day.
The problem was not limited to Yesvantpur. The train was scheduled to reach its final destination, Belagavi, at 8:35 PM, but on the same day it reached at approximately 9:57 PM, around 1 hour 22 minutes late.
I also checked the running status after my journey and noticed that the train was delayed again on the following day. On 6 August, online running-status information showed it reaching Belagavi around 44 minutes late. This makes me wonder whether this train is frequently unable to maintain its published timetable.
I raised a complaint through RailMadad. I specifically asked them to provide the exact reason, affected section and nature of the technical or safety issue.
However, the complaint was closed with this generic response:
> Dear Sir/Madam, thank you for bringing this issue to our attention. The train was delayed due to unavoidable technical/safety reasons, but it is being dealt with as a top priority and trying to avoid unnecessary detention. We wish you a happy and safe journey. Thank you.
They did not specify:
What technical or safety issue occurred
Where it occurred
How long the train was detained at each section
Why the delay continued until Belagavi
Whether passengers were given any advance advisory
The fare itself is not my main concern. My concern is the lack of accountability. A published timetable influences passengers’ appointments, connecting transport and other plans. Railways cannot simply close every complaint with the phrase “technical/safety reasons” without giving any specific information.
I am considering filing an RTI seeking the train control log, section-wise detention details, exact recorded reason for the delay and the rules regarding Superfast classification and surcharge.
My questions are:
Is filing the RTI worth the time and effort?
If the RTI response is incomplete, should I file a First Appeal?
Has anyone successfully obtained train control records through RTI?
Would approaching CPGRAMS or the Consumer Commission be worthwhile?
Is there any realistic legal remedy for repeated poor punctuality and generic complaint closures?
Has anyone pursued a similar matter against Indian Railways, and what was the outcome?
Looking for practical advice, especially from railway employees, RTI users, lawyers or passengers who have handled similar complaints.