A viral video capturing ticketless passengers cramming into the first AC compartment of Mahananda Express has ignited concerns over railway security. The passenger, Swati Raj, expressed her dismay and called on the Railways to address the issue promptly. In the footage, ticketless travelers are seen tightly packed in the AC 1st tier compartment, standing shoulder-to-shoulder.
Highlighting the situation, Ms. Raj posted, “This is the current situation of AC 1st tier in Mahananda 15483. I request management to check this immediately as we are not feeling safe when we are paying extra for it.” She tagged Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in the video.
This is the current situation of AC 1st tier in Mahananda 15483. I request management to check this immediately as we are not feeling safe when we are paying extra for it. @narendramodi @indianrailway__ @AshwiniVaishnaw pic.twitter.com/FwsKWhLCXF
— Swati Raj (@SwatiRaj9294) December 17, 2023
Responding to the user’s concern, Railway Seva urged her to share journey details, including PNR number and mobile number, for immediate action. “We request you to please share the journey details (PNR/UTS No.) and Mobile No. with us preferably via DM. You may also raise your concern directly at http://railmadad.indianrailways.gov.in or dial 139 for speedy redressal,” Railway Seva conveyed.
We request you to please share the journey details (PNR/UTS No.) and Mobile No. with us preferably via DM. You may also raise your concern directly on https://t.co/JNjgaq1zyT or dial 139 for speedy redressal.
https://t.co/utEzIqB89U— RailwaySeva (@RailwaySeva) December 17, 2023
The video has triggered widespread outrage, with many expressing frustration over the difficulties faced by passengers who pay a premium for AC travel. Some criticized the lack of security and alleged corruption among ticket collectors, while others emphasized the need for stringent measures to ensure only eligible passengers board reserved coaches.
Also read: Watch: Bridge where vehicles don’t run, but people live; video viral
Passenger comments included, “This is absolutely pathetic…1AC tickets are close to airfare…and this is the service we get,” and “This intrusion of unreserved travelers into AC coaches seems to be widespread. Railway management & Railway Police must ensure only eligible passengers board the reserved coaches.” The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by passengers despite premium ticket costs for AC coaches.
