Railways play a pivotal role in shaping the economic and social landscape of a nation, and India is no exception. Since its founding, the Indian Railways has played a significant role in promoting connectivity and growth. Being one of the biggest railway networks in the world, it facilitates the transportation of people and products across great distances and acts as the backbone of the nation’s economy.
The extensive rail network ensures that even geographically isolated regions can access essential services, education, and healthcare. India, a country with a population of over 1.3 billion, depends significantly on mass transit like railways. However, the gigantic size of India’s population poses a special set of difficulties for its railway network.
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The capacity of the railway system in India is severely strained by the issue of overpopulation. Trains frequently run over schedule, resulting in crowded carriages and platforms. This not only compromises passenger comfort but also poses safety risks. Something similar recently happened with one passenger when she faced unruly behavior from a fellow passenger.
It is all because that unruly passenger does not want to vacate her seat. Luckily, upon learning about the matter, the railway authorities stepped in to help her. Since then, the whole incident has become the talk of the town and sparked a debate about overcrowded trains on social media.
A young woman faces seat woes co-passengers refuse to vacate her reserved spot
The young girl was traveling alone for the first time and had an urgent need because she had practical examinations soon. Unfortunately, she faced a challenging situation when the other passengers wouldn’t vacate her seat and even started yelling at her.
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On X, formerly known as Twitter, she wrote,
For the first time my younger sister is travelling alone by train. Anyhow we got our ticket confirmed at the last moment and train arrived 3hrs late. She went to her seat and it was not vacant, an uncle ji with her whole family was sitting there.
For the first time my younger sister is travelling alone by train.
Anyhow we got our ticket confirmed at the last moment and train arrived 3hrs late.
She went to her seat and it was not vacant, an uncle ji with her whole family was sitting there. pic.twitter.com/ECEbllMKXp— Potato!🚩 (@Avoid_potato) February 18, 2024
She added,
When she asked them to get up from there ,that uncle started giving gyaan and shouted on her! It was so urgent that’s why she is travelling alone,tomorrow she has to be present for her practical exams.
When she asked them to get up from there ,that uncle started giving gyaan and shouted on her!
It was so urgent that’s why she is travelling alone,tomorrow she has to be present for her practical exams.— Potato!🚩 (@Avoid_potato) February 18, 2024
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Expressing concern and helplessness, she sought assistance on social media, asking if any services were available to address the issue. She wrote,
Now she is not feeling well and that uncle made her sit on the upper birth,with 3 other passengers. And the worst thing is that,I can’t do anything from here, now I’m so worried. Can I do something for her? Is there any service available or such?
The PNR number is 2757326996@RailwaySeva @IndianRailUsers #IndianRailways pic.twitter.com/JSQyajWrGi
— Potato!🚩 (@Avoid_potato) February 18, 2024
The post became viral and received thousands of views and comments very soon.
Here is the video
For the first time my younger sister is travelling alone by train.
Anyhow we got our ticket confirmed at the last moment and train arrived 3hrs late.
She went to her seat and it was not vacant, an uncle ji with her whole family was sitting there. pic.twitter.com/ECEbllMKXp— Potato!🚩 (@Avoid_potato) February 18, 2024
Indian Railways swiftly resolves issue after social media outcry
Railway Seva, the official passenger assistance account, responded by stepping in to resolve the issue. Following Railway Seva’s involvement, X provided an update on Sunday night, stating,
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I contacted railmadad(139) and RPF went there and gave her the seat,within 20 minutes. Now she is with me,safely!! Thanks #IndianRailways #railmadad @RailMinIndia
I contacted railmadad(139) and RPF went there and gave her the seat,within 20 minutes.
Now she is with me,safely!!
Thanks #IndianRailways #railmadad@RailMinIndia https://t.co/wKkJ45bRzG— Potato!🚩 (@Avoid_potato) February 18, 2024
With thousands of views, the post has brought attention to the ability of social media to mobilize rapid action and the responsiveness of Indian Railways in addressing passenger complaints.
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