Indian Railways, a lifeline for public transport in India, often grapples with overcrowding due to the country’s growing population and inadequate enforcement of rules. A recent incident highlighting the issue in an AC compartment of the Poorva Express has sparked widespread attention.
Viral Video Highlights Overcrowding
A passenger, Gandharv Vinayak Rai, shared a video on social media platform X, revealing the state of the AC coach B5 on Poorva Express. The video, recorded near Patna, showed unreserved passengers occupying passageways, sitting on the floor, and even sharing seats with those who had reserved tickets.
Rai shared the video along with his train details and mentioned filing a complaint on Rail Madad (complaint number 2024121005214). Frustrated by the lack of response even after 45 minutes, he tagged Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and the Railways, writing:
Please see the video and see the state of train in AC reservation in train no. 12303 poorva express. Near patna. It feal like general compartment. Already complaint on rail madam no. 2024121005214..even 45min passed , no response from railway.
Railways’ Response
After the video gained traction, Indian Railways responded, assuring that the matter was being addressed and relevant officials had been notified. They stated:
“We’re listening and will do our best to help. The concerned officials are being notified.”
We’re listening and will do our best to help. The concerned officials are being notified.
@DrmDnr 6143732667— RailwaySeva (@RailwaySeva) December 10, 2024
However, Rai later posted that his complaint was closed without proper verification, adding to his frustration.
They already closed the complaint without verification pic.twitter.com/Zys0R0ZcZv
— गंधर्व विनायक राय (@simplyvinayak) December 10, 2024
Public Reaction
The video prompted many netizens to share their own grievances regarding overcrowding in AC coaches. Passengers echoed concerns about the declining quality of reserved compartments and urged the Railways to implement stricter measures to ensure a comfortable journey for those with confirmed tickets.
Bro we cannot do anything in that
— Saurav Singh (@sauravsin0609) December 11, 2024
Kuch hone wala nahi hain bhai. Hum reservation nikalne wale hi pagal hain aisa lagta hain kabhi kabhi. Kitne baar bhi complaint karo ek hi reply aata hain. Aur hamare railway minister ki baat hi alag hain bus reel banane mein hi busy hain.
— Roshan More 𝕏 (@R0shan_More) December 11, 2024
Complaint karna sahi hai magar hoga kuch nahi @AshwiniVaishnaw ji reel banane mein busy hain
— #Majid (@majidsyed) December 10, 2024
Hum reservation karne wale hi pagal hai…..humko bhi aise hi Jana chahiye
— DeepJyoti Jana (@deepjyoti456) December 11, 2024
Sad to see growing indiscipline 😔 and authorities ignoring it 😴
— Promod Vij (@promodvij) December 11, 2024
This incident underscores the pressing need for Indian Railways to address overcrowding, particularly in reserved coaches, and ensure better enforcement of rules. Such steps are crucial for maintaining the trust and satisfaction of passengers.
Have you ever experienced a similar situation? Share your thoughts in the comments below
