The sprawling network of Indian Railways is emblematic of the nation’s advancement, intricately weaving together India’s varied landscape, cultures, and economy since its establishment in 1853. With over 67,000 kilometers of tracks, it serves as the backbone of the country, fostering unity across diverse regions.
Despite its monumental stature, Indian Railways contends with numerous challenges, chief among them being overcrowding. This pervasive issue affects millions of passengers daily, manifesting in various forms across the extensive network, from long-distance express trains to local suburban routes.
The recent spotlight on overcrowding came through Nilisha Mantri, who shared her distressing experience aboard the Chetak Express on social media. Her photos depicted a congested AC coach reminiscent of conditions typically associated with general or sleeper-class compartments.
Expecting respite within the confines of air conditioning, Nilisha found herself amidst a sea of fellow passengers, despite holding a 3-tier AC ticket. Her frustration was palpable as she questioned the rationale behind paying for upgraded accommodations when the experience mirrored that of lower-class travel. Voicing her discontent on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, she stated,
“This is the condition of 3rd tier AC in chetak express 20473 @RailMinIndia @AshwiniVaishnaw railways have become a joke why we are even paying for AC if we have to suffer like general class?? @narendramodi no place to even sit properly even after paying.”
This is the condition of 3rd tier AC in chetak express 20473 @RailMinIndia @AshwiniVaishnaw railways have become a joke why we are even paying for AC if we have to suffer like general class?? @narendramodi no place to even sit properly even after paying pic.twitter.com/zUQO3utYHM
— Nilisha Mantri (@nilishamantri_) March 19, 2024
Nilisha’s post resonated deeply with the public, reflecting widespread annoyance and disappointment regarding the state of Indian Railways.
Concerns were raised over diminishing comfort levels and the disparity between ticket costs and service quality.
In response to Nilisha’s grievances, Indian Railways swiftly acknowledged the issue, demonstrating a commitment to address passenger concerns. Requesting her PNR/UTS number and cellphone details, they signaled intent to find expedient solutions and restore faith in the system. Their response emphasized,
Please share your PNR/UTS no. and Mobile No. with us preferably via DM so that immediate action can be taken on your complaint. You may also raise your concern directly on https://t.co/JNjgaq1zyT or dial 139 for speedy redressal.
https://t.co/utEzIqB89U— RailwaySeva (@RailwaySeva) March 19, 2024
The staggering 1.5 million views garnered by Nilisha’s post underscore the widespread acknowledgment of the dire state of Indian train travel. It serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for structural reforms to alleviate congestion and ensure every passenger enjoys a dignified, secure, and comfortable journey.
