Commuters raise concerns over timing of new Valsad-Surat MEMU train

Valsad: The Railway Board has announced the resumption of regular service of the Valsad-Surat MEMU train, which was discontinued during the COVID-19 pandemic, from October 3. However, daily commuters have expressed dissatisfaction with its scheduled timing, saying the service will offer little benefit to passengers travelling to Surat during the morning hours.

The new Valsad-Surat MEMU (Train No. 69149) will depart from Valsad at 1:20 PM and reach Surat at around 4 PM. Passengers have pointed out that two other Surat-bound trains are scheduled to depart from Valsad within the preceding 10 minutes, making the timing of the new service less useful.

Before the pandemic, the Borivali-Surat MEMU (Train No. 69139) used to reach Valsad at around 11:20 AM and was widely used by daily commuters, including students, office-goers and traders travelling between Valsad, Surat and other parts of South Gujarat. The service was discontinued during the pandemic, following which passengers repeatedly sought its restoration.

Following representations by Navsari MP and Union Minister C.R. Patil, the Railway Board announced the introduction of the Valsad-Surat MEMU from October 3. However, members of the Daily Passengers’ Association have urged the Railways to reconsider its timing.