New Delhi, Jun 2: Train delays are often overlooked in India, but for one couple from Kota, Rajasthan, the consequences triggered legal battle which concluded with a landmark verdict. The couple, instead of keeping silence for their suffering, decided to drag the Indian Railways into court.

Anil Rana and his wife Anita Rana missed their scheduled Air India flight to Thiruvananthapuram in December 2017 after the Rajdhani Express they boarded from Kota to Delhi arrived more than four hours late.

The couple had booked their flight tickets well in advance, spending ₹33,929 for the journey.

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According to the schedule, the Rajdhani Express was supposed to reach Hazrat Nizamuddin station at 12:40 pm, giving them ample time to catch their 6:05 pm flight. However, the train reached Delhi only at 4:50 pm, and by the time they reached the airport, their flight had already departed.

Forced to stay overnight in Delhi, the couple booked fresh tickets the next day, spending ₹72,930 — more than double the original fare. Along with financial loss, they endured mental stress and wasted time.

Seeking justice, the couple first lodged complaints with railway authorities and later filed a case in the Kota District Consumer Court after receiving unsatisfactory responses. The court held railway management and operational lapses responsible for the delay.

In August 2023, the consumer court ruled in favour of the couple, directing the railway to pay compensation. The order included ₹39,001 for the additional airfare, ₹20,000 for mental agony, ₹5,000 for hotel expenses, and ₹5,000 towards legal costs — totalling ₹69,001.

The railway challenged the decision before the State Consumer Commission, but the appeal was dismissed, upholding the district court’s ruling.

However, critical questions still linger, waiting to be asked and answered — Why did it take six long years for the justice system to deliver a verdict? And is the compensation truly fair, given the loss occurred in 2017 but relief only came in 2023 when inflation had already eroded its value? So what’s your take on this.