Slow and steady, ‘tumtum’ train keeps going in Deoria
They may seem out of place in the bullet train era but these ‘slow coaches’ sure do exist.
Known as tum-tum (easy mode of transport) or ‘Barhajia’ among locals, the fivecoach train ferries passengers on a 30-kilometre route between Deoria’s Bhatni and Barhaj stations at such a low speed that anyone can hop on or hop off the train, anywhere any moment even though the train has a diesel locomotive.
It completes its journey in 90 minutes, at an average speed of 20 kilometres per hour, comparable to a bicycle ride. The train runs at a low speed as there are seven stoppages in a short span of just 30 km.
Picture this. The train stops at an unmanned crossing at Chakra Dhala between Deoraha Baba and Satrav railway stations in Deoria.
The driver’s colleague , a pointman, gets down from the train, closes the gates and shows the green flag. The train starts proceeding toward its destination.
After the train goes past the unmanned crossing, the pointman opens the gate and gets back onboard. The entire procedure takes 10 minutes, giving locals enough time to board the train.
With the train making four rounds (both up and down) daily, the gate is opened and closed 16 times.
Harshit Srivastav , a passenger, says: “Students, traders and daily wagers use this train for their daily commute. It is cheaper than bus , autos and other modes. Since we have a community health centre in Barhaj, people going to hospital also use it.”
The British had laid the line between Bhatni and Barhaj in 1876 after which a train began its run there. Barhaj was known for the pulses industry, sugar mills and, later, iron units. The current train is a later version of the original one.
The train has seven stoppages: Bhatni, Pivkol, Salempur, Devarha Baba, Santrav ,Sisai, Gulab Rai and Barhaj. Except Sunday, it runs on all days.
In 2013, the Railways decided to discontinue the train as it was no longer profitable to run it. But stiff opposition by locals forced Railways to continue its operation despite losses .
As per railway records, over 400-500 tickets , costing Rs 10 each, are sold for the train. If unauthorised passengers are taken into account, the number of travelers will go beyond 1000.
Chief public relations officer, North Eastern Railway, Sanjay Yadav said the Railways got no major revenue from the train.