The Indian Railways has been fined ₹60,000 for unusable and filthy toilets on the Jammu Tawi to Bandra Terminus Special AC Train, which caused passengers discomfort. Read on to know more about the development.
Indian Railways Fined For Filthy Toilets
As per a report by the Tribune, the unusable toilets caused mental agony, physical discomfort and harassment to senior citizens for 24 hours straight back in November 2023. The complaint was filed by Surinder Kumar Munshi, 72, a New Chandigarh resident, who filed a complaint in the Mohali Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission stating that despite repeated complaints, no action was taken. He informed the TTE and was even assured of cleaning at various stations like Ambala, Mathura, Kota, and Ratlam, but no action was taken throughout the journey by Northern and Western Railway.
New Chandigarh Residents’ File a Complaint
Surinder Kumar Munshi booked a confirmed berth in AC-3 Tier in the Jammu Tawi to Bandra Terminus Special AC Train from Delhi Safdarjung to Bandra Terminus for the journey on November 22, 2023. He found all toilets in Coach B1 in an unusable condition. Even after multiple complaints, no action was taken throughout the journey. Due to the non-availability of basic hygienic facilities for over 24 hours, Surinder Kumar suffered severe discomfort and harassment. Additionally, he also complained through Rail Madad and the Public Grievance Portal but received no reply.
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After receiving no response, negligence, and an indifferent attitude from the railway authorities, he filed a consumer complaint seeking compensation for what he suffered during the journey. As per the news portal, following this, the Indian Railways‘ General Manager, CEO/Managing Director, and Ministry of Railways have been advised to pay an amount of ₹30,000 to the complainant on account of mental stress harassment and costs of litigation. The Railways was also directed to deposit an amount of ₹15,000 in the Legal Aid Account of this Commission and ₹15,000 with the Tricity Consumer Courts Bar Association.
The Mohani Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission took two years to pronounce the order. As reported by the news portal, the panel stated that the instant complaint could not be disposed of within the stipulated period due to heavy institutional load.
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File a railway complaint through the RailMadad app/website (railmadad.indianrailways.gov.in), dial the 24/7 helpline 139.
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