Passengers who have planned their journey by the Chennai-Mysore Shatabadi Express (12007/12008) would not be able to enjoy the cosy comfort of the Linke Hoffman Bush (LHB) coaches aboard the high speed train.
The LHB coaches were pulled out for overhauling and have been replaced by ICF-made AC III coaches in the Shatabdi Express, resulting in change in coach composition for two days from August 6.
The composition change has been extended till August 14. However, an official release from southern railway confirmed that the composition change and change in seat numbers would be extended till September 16.
Railway authorities were compelled to go for coach replacement after the staff at Basin Bridge Coach care depot refused to undertake trip maintenance of the coach for which periodic overhauling was due by July end.
The staff also staged a protest last week, blaming the management of forcing them to compromise with safety.
Railways’ anticipation of expeditious completion of periodic overhauling of the coaches did not materialise owing to lack of staff at the Basin Bridge yard.
Southern Railway has advised passengers to approach a help desk at Chennai Central station to ascertain the revised seating information, as there may be changes in the seat numbers allotted to reserved passengers.
Passengers would be able to obtain their reallotted seat numbers before boarding the train from the help desk. The information can be obtained through phone number 139.