The history of Indian Railways is a story of huge development on an international stage. It tells the story of our nation’s journey from facing colonial beginnings to a free nation’s growth. Since its founding in 1853, Indian Railways has developed into the backbone of the country. With a vast network of tracks covering more than 67,000 kilometers, it connects the many regions of the country and promotes unity among variety.
A massive railway network like the Indian Railways is nothing less than a big success. It serves more than 23 million people per day, making it one of the biggest in the world. Reaching from the high peaks of the Himalayas to the peaceful waters of the Indian Ocean, its branches interconnect themselves around busy cities, lush farms, and desert regions equally.
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However, even in the middle of its beautiful story, Indian Railways continues to face many different kinds of difficulties. Notably, overcrowding is the biggest problem among them. From the busy veins of local suburban transportation to the busy arteries of long-distance express lines, millions of passengers endure the daily burden of clogged trains.
This issue is currently in the spotlight as social media is ablaze with tales of challenging travel experiences on Indian Railways. Recently, a passenger named Rachit Jain shared a frightening story of what happened to his sister while traveling in a three-tier air-conditioned coach. His tweet went viral on the internet, causing outcry and drawing attention to Railway Seva’s official page.
A man shares how her sister struggled in a 3-tier coach due to overcrowding
Rachit Jain posted a description of a scene of intense crowding outside the coach doors on social networking site X, formerly known as Twitter. This made it hard for his sister to board. In the confusion, her child was tragically separated from her and left behind on the platform.
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Attempting to reunite with her child, Jain’s sister jumped off the moving train, during which he sustained multiple injuries. In his tweet, Jain outlined the factors that made matters worse, such as the overcrowding of the train by unauthorized passengers and the absence of basic amenities like clean restrooms. To get action, he tagged Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and included the train’s PNR and coach number for verification.
Have a look at Rachit’s tweet
Despite assurances from the railway, there has been no resolution yet for the over 500 passengers cramped in a coach meant for 72, with no access to washrooms and injured individual urgently requiring medical assistance, despite promises made for assistance at Moradabad station.…
— Rachit Jain (@rachitpjain) April 13, 2024
Seeing comments about using Vande Bharat trains for travel due to better facilities. While it may be a great option, not every place is connected with Vande Bharat trains.
What about old trains?
Can’t we have proper management across all trains for a better travel experience?…
— Rachit Jain (@rachitpjain) April 13, 2024
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The role of ticket checkers is crucial for seat allocation and resolving passenger issues, yet their absence is disheartening.
Mr. @AshwiniVaishnaw should instruct RPF and TTs to prioritize passenger safety by conducting frequent checks on every coach.
Ensuring passenger…
— Rachit Jain (@rachitpjain) April 14, 2024
Many are facing a similar issue; please address it, Sir @AshwiniVaishnaw. Your intervention for everyone’s safety would be a privilege.@narendramodi https://t.co/gcJU1qBUCQ
— Rachit Jain (@rachitpjain) April 15, 2024
How did the railways react to Rachit’s grievances?
Responding to Rachit Jain’s post, Railway Seva reached out to him and requested his phone number. They also asked if they needed any medical support. Jain’s post quickly gained popularity, as many people were moved by it and shared similar stories in the comments section.
Kindly specify if any medical assistance is required please share your mobile no. preferably via DM so that we may assist you. You may also raise your concern directly on https://t.co/JNjgaq1zyT or dial 139 for speedy redressal. https://t.co/utEzIqB89U
— RailwaySeva (@RailwaySeva) April 13, 2024
Many shared how they struck in the overcrowded railway coaches and experienced their worst journeys, while others echoed the need to resolve this situation as soon as possible.
Last time, last month, I too faced such problem… And No action by any railway authority… In fact TTE was not found in train till last stop…
— Varun (@varunmahajan82) April 13, 2024
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This is the part completely ignored by railways.. Many complaints of overcrowding by unreserved in AC nd sleeper coaches…
— PRAMOD (@mobi_developer) April 13, 2024
3rd AC has become a general class in trains… Even 2nd AC sometimes are crowdy.
Need more frequency of trains, also population control.
Nowadays Airports are like bus stands.
Population explosion is dangerous..
Adding illegal migrants who don’t even pay for train seats..🙏— Prashant Jaju 🇮🇳 (Modi ka Pariwar) (@Prashantjaju) April 13, 2024
Similar experience with me on the Anand Vihar Rewa Express. The AC coaches felt more like general coaches.
— आकाश श्रीवास्तव 🇮🇳 (@akashmph) April 13, 2024
Ashwini Vaishnav is useless, won’t listen to you.
One of the worst railway ministers.— शून्य (@0__Shunya__0) April 13, 2024
Why is indian railways issuing more tickets ? Why this much crowd is allowed to board the train ..
Dear Government we are observing these crowd related videos almost daily.. Please work towards better rail experience 🙏
Not everyone can afford air travel plus we donot have…— Vineet Joshi (@BonafideVJ) April 13, 2024
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This is the true picture of Railways. Sleepers have already become general bogies and now 3AC have become sleeper class. No security or convenience at all. The govt has done nothing except few fancy Vande Bharat! Absolute shame! Pray for your sister’s wellbeing and safe journey.
— Rajat Agarwala (@RjtAg222) April 13, 2024
its the big issue because railway decided to decrease no. of general coaches as everyone is rich now.
how funny 🙂
To opearate 1 vande bharat, passenger trains are getting delayed or decreased.
Vande Bharat just looks good but wastes more money without giving any value (as…
— Mr. Ånand (@Astrodevil_) April 13, 2024
Not similar experience but 3AC is no more premium. The quality has gone down to a level similar to what non AC sleeper class used to be. I’ve stopped booking 3AC, only 1 or 2 AC. India’s buying power has increased so much that even many unskilled workforce can afford booking it.…
— Itu Rathore (@iturathore) April 13, 2024
Sleeper coaches are the new general
AC 3 Tier is the new sleeper class.
Airlines would be the way for new India. Railways would mostly left for stock manipulations.
— Yash (@boi_doingthings) April 13, 2024
Have you experienced such a horrifying ordeal? Let us know in the comments.
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