A recent journey on these trains from
Secunderabad to Danapur, undertaken by us with high hopes of a smooth
pilgrimage to Varanasi for temple darshan, turned into a harrowing ordeal.
Despite making reservations four months in advance, the passengers found
themselves at the mercy of non-reservation travelers who had brazenly occupied
reserved sleeper compartments.
The chaos began as soon as passengers
attempted to settle into their allocated berths, only to find them already
occupied by unauthorized travelers. Requests to vacate the reserved seats fell
on deaf ears, as the interlopers refused to budge, forcing the rightful
passengers to relinquish their berths. This blatant disregard for reservation
norms not only disrupted the journey but also exposed the glaring
inefficiencies of the railway authorities in managing coach occupancy.
The presence of non-reservation
passengers wasn't the only issue plaguing the journey. Ticket checking
officials, instead of enforcing ticketing regulations and directing
unauthorized travelers to general compartments, seemed content with merely
issuing penalties. This lax enforcement emboldened the unauthorized occupants
and exacerbated the overcrowding issue within reserved compartments.
The dire state of coach maintenance
further compounded the passengers' misery. Overloaded compartments left barely
an inch of space to maneuver, turning even the simplest tasks like accessing
the restroom into a Herculean feat. Toilets, already scarce in number, were
filthy and unhygienic, with broken doors and inadequate cleaning measures in
place. Broken window glasses only added to the discomfort, exposing passengers
to external elements and compromising their safety.
Reserved seats have been overtaken by
unauthorized occupants, causing distress. I had to forfeit my two reserved
berths due to encroachers who resorted to quarrels and vulgar language.
Attempts to address the situation through compartment contacts proved futile,
as they merely suggested asking the encroachers to vacate the reserved seats.
Moreover, the absence of Ticket Examiner (TTE) or Ticket Collector (TC)
presence exacerbates the issue. On train 12791, TTEs appeared only around 12:30
PM and did not conduct ticket checks until the next day. This lax enforcement
enables numerous passengers to board and alight without tickets, with no means
of accountability. When passengers anticipate TTE/TC inspections, several hide
in the bathrooms, inconveniencing others. Even when inspections occur,
penalties are merely issued without directing offenders to general
compartments.
Accessing basic amenities like the restroom is akin to waging a battle due to overcrowded compartments.Furthermore, the facilities themselves are in a deplorable state, with broken
toilet doors, shattered windows, and unhygienic conditions. The failure of the railways to provide these fundamental necessities raises questions about the purpose of trains like the Vandebharat Express. Overall, the train journey has transformed into a nightmare, prompting prayers for a swift return home.
Immediate action is imperative to
restore faith in the Indian Railways' ability to provide safe, comfortable, and
efficient travel experiences. From stringent enforcement of reservation
policies to rigorous maintenance schedules for coaches, every aspect of the
railway system demands attention and reform.
As passengers, we deserve better—a
journey free from chaos, discomfort, and compromise on safety. It's time for
Indian Railways to heed the grievances of its patrons and embark on a journey
of transformation towards a brighter, more passenger-centric future. Anything
less would be a disservice to the millions who rely on the railways for their
travel needs.