Photos and videos circulating on social media depict a concerning trend of ticketless passengers occupying reserved coaches on trains, sparking frustration among paying passengers. The Vande Bharat Express, celebrated for its premium service, recently faced a similar plight as it was overrun by ticketless travelers. Archit Nagar shared a video capturing the chaotic scene inside a Vande Bharat Express coach en route from Lucknow to Dehradun. The footage reveals passengers crammed shoulder-to-shoulder in the aisles, leaving minimal space to move freely.
Official response
Railway Seva, the official support account for railway passengers, acknowledged the viral footage, promising action: "We're listening and will do our best to help. The concerned officials are being notified."
Public outcry
Internet users expressed frustration, demanding stricter enforcement from authorities. Calls were made to increase the number of passenger trains and implement metro-style ticketing and verification systems at railway stations nationwide.
User demands
- One user urged, "Please increase the number of passenger trains. Vande Bharat aise nahi chalega. Looks like an overcrowded bus."
- Another demanded, "First, Vande Bharat train system must have dedicated special Railway Police. What is the purpose of buying tickets worth thousands?"
- A third echoed, "We need more trains; a lot more trains; and affordable trains. How do we expect people to travel?"
Expectations from authorities
A user expressed hope for intervention from Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, stating, "I hope Ashwini Vaishnaw will take cognizance of this mismanagement. This ticket-less traveling is getting more common in many trains and now it's reached a premium train like Vande Bharat Express."
About Vande Bharat Express
The Vande Bharat train, a domestically manufactured semi-high-speed, self-propelled train set, boasts state-of-the-art passenger amenities, promising a faster, more comfortable, and convenient travel experience for railway passengers.
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