Gujrat: Anshul Sharma, a 27-year-old from Gujarat, found himself in a distressing situation on Saturday as he was forced off an overcrowded train despite holding a confirmed 3-tier AC ticket. Sharma’s ordeal raises questions about the effectiveness of Indian Railways and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) in managing passenger crowding and ensuring the smooth operation of trains, especially during peak travel times.
Sharma’s Tale of Disruption:
Anshul Sharma had plans to spend Diwali with his aging parents in Ratlam. Armed with a confirmed 3-tier AC ticket, he arrived at Vadodara station with the expectation of a comfortable journey back home. However, upon reaching the station, he was shocked to witness the train platform overflowing with ticketless passengers.
The coaches were so tightly packed that passengers faced difficulties opening doors, and the chaotic scene prompted Sharma to try entering the next coach. Despite having a confirmed ticket, he found himself sandwiched in the crowd, unable to proceed with his journey.
Realizing that traveling in such conditions was impossible, Sharma decided to disembark from the train and seek help. Along with a friend who had come to see him off, he approached the police at the station for assistance. To his dismay, the response from the police was far from helpful – they reportedly laughed at him and claimed helplessness in the face of the chaotic situation.
PNR 8900276502
Indian Railways Worst management
Thanks for ruining my Diwali. This is what you get even when you have a confirmed 3rd AC ticket. No help from Police. Many people like me were not able to board. @AshwiniVaishnawI want a total refund of ₹1173.95 @DRMBRCWR pic.twitter.com/O3aWrRqDkq
— Anshul Sharma (@whoisanshul) November 11, 2023
Frustrated and stranded at the station, Sharma attempted to reach out to the Railways and passenger helpline centers for assistance. However, his efforts proved futile as tickets were marked as resolved without providing a solution to his predicament. This left Sharma questioning the efficacy of the system and seeking a refund of his fare, which amounted to Rs 1,173.95.
Impact on Festive Plans and Family Reunion:
The incident had profound implications for Sharma’s plans to spend Diwali with his aging parents. Expressing his frustration, Sharma shared that he had recently joined a new job at an IT recruitment firm and didn’t have leave for Diwali. He had planned to spend the weekend with his parents and then return to work.
The separation from his parents on Diwali was particularly disheartening, as they are over 60 years old and live by themselves. Sharma emphasized that the disruption meant they would have to spend Diwali separated from each other, causing disappointment and sadness, especially for his parents.
Sharma’s story resonated with many social media users who shared similar tales of disruptions and challenges faced by passengers during the festive rush. This incident sheds light on broader issues within the Indian Railways system, including crowd management, passenger assistance, and the need for reforms to ensure a smoother and more efficient travel experience for passengers.
Stampede at Surat Railway Station:
Adding to the concerns about passenger safety and crowd management, a stampede occurred at Gujarat’s Surat railway station on the same day. The stampede resulted in one person’s death and left several others injured. These incidents underscore the challenges faced by passengers during peak travel times, demanding urgent attention to ensure the well-being of railway travelers.
Calls for Reforms and Improved Efficiency:
Anshul Sharma’s ordeal serves as a stark reminder that the joy of festive reunions should not be marred by chaos during the journey. As passengers face disruptions and challenges, there is a growing call for reforms in crowd management, responsiveness, and overall efficiency within the Indian Railways system.
The railway authorities need to address these concerns promptly, ensuring that passengers with confirmed tickets can travel safely and comfortably, even during peak times. The incident highlights the need for a comprehensive review of existing systems and the implementation of measures to enhance passenger experience, particularly during festive seasons when travel demand is high.
As Indian Railways continues to be a lifeline for millions of passengers, the focus on safety, efficiency, and passenger satisfaction becomes paramount. Anshul Sharma’s experience should serve as a catalyst for positive change within the railway system, ensuring that every passenger can embark on their journey with confidence and reach their destination without undue hassles or disruptions.
