Imagine this: you’ve meticulously planned your trip and booked your tickets well in advance, only to find yourself locked out of your reserved compartment. The culprit? Hordes of ticketless passengers or those on waiting lists who’ve taken it upon themselves to occupy reserved berths. This scenario, unfortunately, is a common occurrence on many Indian trains.
Confirmed Ticket, No Entry?
Train stops at your station for 2 minutes
You’ve confirmed tickets for 3AC
But these ticketless/WL passengers have blocked and closed most doors
Forget my empathy but how do you expect to board the train with your family?pic.twitter.com/WnKdEzZ1MB
— Ravisutanjani (@Ravisutanjani) April 16, 2024
X( Formerly Twitter) user @Ravisutanjani took to the platform to express disappointment and concern over the issue. He stated how nothing is going well for Indian Railways. He also mentioned how even if your ticket has been confirmed, there’s a good probability that people without tickets or on waiting lists will take advantage of reserved seats. The conditions of Sleeper and 3AC coaches are deteriorating too with the railways overcrowding.
The problem extends beyond mere inconvenience. With overflowing compartments, accessing basic amenities like washrooms becomes a nightmare. This not only poses a safety risk, especially for families with young children or elderly passengers, but also raises hygiene concerns.
Also Read: Indian Railways Made Over ₹5,800 Cr After Withdrawing Senior Citizen Concession In 2020
A Herculean Task To Board/Disembark
Indian Railways turns into a proper circus during festivals! People are literally climbing through windows while AC travelers can’t even reach their coaches. It’s maddening! Those who’ve booked tickets are feeling utterly frustrated with this chaos. High time to sort this mess… pic.twitter.com/50zXxe714t
— Shahzeb Khan (@theshahzebkhan) March 23, 2024
The situation worsens for those in Sleeper Class and 3AC coaches, known for their higher capacity. A crucial two-minute stop at your station to disembark can turn into a stressful ordeal if the train is overflowing with unauthorised passengers blocking the doorways.
Another X (Formerly Twitter) user, @kamalkumarBJD stated how Indian Railways has stopped listening to common men and passengers of other trains. He pointed out how they are obsessed with only the VandeBharat trains as if that is their only priority.
Also Read: 171 Years Of Indian Railways! The First Passenger Train Ran From Bori Bunder To Thane On This Day
The Indian Railways needs a course correction. Stricter enforcement of ticketing regulations and improved passenger management are crucial. While modernisation projects are welcome, a renewed focus on core issues like railway overcrowding and ensuring confirmed reservations hold value is essential. Only then can Indian Railways regain its status as a reliable and comfortable mode of travel.
Cover Image Courtesy: @theshahzebkhan, @Ravisutanjani/ X(Formerly Twitter)
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