Overcrowding by ticketless passengers on Indian trains has become as predictable as the sun rising in the east. It’s not just a mere inconvenience; it’s like a noisy parade marching down the train corridors, disrupting the peace of those who have diligently reserved their seats. And this was the unfortunate experience of a passenger boarding the Shalimar Superfast Express from Ahmedabad, who found their seat occupied by ticketless travellers.
Sharing snapshots from the congested train, ‘X’ user @Shahrcasm recounted their unpleasant journey on the train running between Bhuj and Shalimar station in Calcutta. Pinpointing coach S5 as the hotspot for unauthorised travellers, they shared how despite holding a reserved ticket, the problem began after the train left Ahmedabad Junction. Their family struggled as random ticketless individuals took over their seats and filled the aisles, leaving them scrambling for a place to sit.
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“Please help,” they pleaded in the now-viral post, tagging Indian Railways and Union Minister of Railways of India, Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Sleeper coach, reserved s5, 22829 which departed from Ahmedabad a while ago. Without ticket People not moving and giving place to us with reserved ticket. Please help. Pnr number – 8413099794 @RailwaySeva @RailMinIndia @AshwiniVaishnaw pic.twitter.com/NUhTvKIXWP— Babu Bhaiya (@Shahrcasm) March 26, 2024
Soon, comments poured in, with one user echoing everyone’s frustration: “This has become such a pain nowadays. Have been seeing same complaints every second day on twitter.” “This happens when you restrict 2 general compartments for a train… horrible to travel in general compartments I have experienced recently,” shared another.
Even Railway Sewa, the official customer care account of the Railways, responded to the post, promising action to address the issue and ensure passenger safety and comfort.
Please share your mobile no. preferably via DM to enable us to take immediate action. You may also raise your concern directly on https://t.co/JNjgaq1zyT or dial 139 for speedy redressal.https://t.co/utEzIqB89U— RailwaySeva (@RailwaySeva) March 26, 2024
Since its posting, the message has garnered a staggering 2 million views on the platform.
Also Read: ‘Not Feeling Safe’: Woman Shows How Ticketless Passengers Flooded First AC Coach in Viral Video
Yet, this is just one of the many complaints that arise almost every day on social media regarding the Indian Railways. Earlier, in November 2023, a man with a reserved AC ticket couldn’t even board the train at Vadodara railway station due to overcrowding at the gate, not allowing him to enter his coach.
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