The issue of overcrowding on Indian trains has long been a matter of concern. Instances range from passengers resorting to using toilets for travel due to packed coaches to others facing challenges in securing their reserved seats. Recently, Nilisha Mantri brought attention to this issue with a revealing photograph depicting the cramped conditions inside an overly crowded AC coach. The situation she encountered on the Chetak Express, running between Delhi Sarai Rohilla and Udaipur, was far from the expected comfort of a 3-Tier AC compartment, resembling more of a congested general or sleeper class setting.
Nilisha shared her experience, expressing dismay at the disparity between the booked service and the reality onboard. Her social media post, accompanied by the photo, drew significant attention and engagement from the public. Doubts regarding the authenticity of the coach being an AC compartment were raised, but Nilisha dispelled these by providing additional evidence, including an image of the coach’s window.
This is the condition of 3rd tier AC in chetak express 20473 @RailMinIndia @AshwiniVaishnaw railways have become a joke why we are even paying for AC if we have to suffer like general class?? @narendramodi no place to even sit properly even after paying pic.twitter.com/zUQO3utYHM
— Nilisha Mantri (@nilishamantri_) March 19, 2024
Responses poured in from fellow passengers, echoing the frustration and disappointment over the deteriorating conditions of train travel. The sentiment expressed ranged from suggesting a downgrade in classification due to the poor conditions to highlighting the decline in overall service quality.
The post did not go unnoticed by railway authorities, who swiftly responded by requesting Nilisha’s PNR/UTS number and contact details to address the issue promptly. They also facilitated avenues for direct complaint registration to ensure timely resolution.
Purane dibbe hai jak train m betho samjh padega lol pic.twitter.com/9C6HjwN6YN
— Nilisha Mantri (@nilishamantri_) March 19, 2024
Since its posting, the content has gained significant traction, with approximately 1.5 million views, underscoring the widespread concern regarding the state of Indian railway travel.
