The inauguration of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express was intended to showcase a new chapter in overnight rail travel. However, a viral video from its maiden journey has shifted public focus to a familiar concern — lack of civic sense among passengers.
The newly launched sleeper variant, connecting Howrah and Guwahati, has drawn criticism after visuals surfaced showing plastic packets, disposable cutlery and food waste strewn across a coach within hours of the inaugural run. The video, reportedly recorded near Malda, quickly spread across social media platforms.
Viral clip triggers backlash
Shared on X with a caption questioning public behaviour, the clip prompted sharp reactions from users who expressed disappointment that a high-end, newly introduced train was littered so soon. Many questioned how modern infrastructure could be sustained without responsible passenger behaviour.
Railways responds
The Indian Railways acknowledged the video and reiterated that cleanliness on trains is a shared responsibility. A senior railway official said public transport is common property and urged passengers to maintain hygiene and discipline.
The official added that dedicated onboard housekeeping staff are deployed on Vande Bharat trains and are available to clean coaches whenever required. However, authorities stressed that sustained cleanliness depends largely on passenger cooperation.
Pride and responsibility
The incident has reignited a broader conversation on civic responsibility, with several users calling for stronger public awareness and early education on maintaining shared spaces. Some compared India’s situation with countries where civic sense is formally taught at a young age.
About the Vande Bharat Sleeper
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is the first sleeper version of the Vande Bharat series, designed for long-distance overnight travel. It covers a distance of 958 kilometres on the Howrah–Kamakhya route and is positioned as a faster and more comfortable alternative to conventional sleeper trains.
According to sources, the fare for the Third AC (3AC) class on the Howrah–Kamakhya sector has been fixed at ₹2,299, reflecting its premium positioning.
While the train’s design and comfort have drawn praise, the viral video serves as a reminder that world-class infrastructure also demands world-class public behaviour.