Railways in India
Indian Railways is undeniably a lifeline for millions of people in India. It plays a vital role in transporting a wide range of goods, from coal at the ports to everyday essentials and even vehicles like cars and trucks. However, its most significant role lies in moving people across the vast and densely populated nation of India. Indian Railways is a preferred mode of travel for students returning to their hometowns, businessmen attending meetings, tourists exploring different destinations, and workers commuting for employment opportunities.
This preference can be attributed to several compelling reasons of travelling in Indian Railways outlined below:
Convenience and Connectivity: Indian Railways offers a network that spans from short journeys of a few kilometers to long-haul trips covering over 4,000 kilometers. This extensive coverage connects various corners of the country, making it accessible to a diverse population.
Affordability: Train travel in India is incredibly cost-effective. For instance, one can embark on a 4,145-kilometer journey for a mere Rs 645, which is a fraction of the cost of other modes of transportation.
Class Options: Indian Railways caters to diverse passenger needs with a range of classes to choose from, allowing travelers to select accommodations that suit their comfort and budget preferences.
Timings and Budgets: The railways offer a variety of options to cater to different schedules and budgets, such as the Vande Bharat Express.
Waitlists in Trains
However, despite these advantages, securing train tickets in India can be a daunting task. The struggle is a common experience for most train travelers. The emergence of waitlisted tickets has exacerbated the problem. When a passenger with a waitlisted ticket fails to secure a seat due to unavailability, their ticket is canceled, rendering them ticketless.
Passengers entering Reserved Classes without Reserved Ticket
A more pressing issue arises when passengers holding general class tickets, who may also have waitlisted tickets, attempt to board sleeper class coaches. This practice is driven by the overcrowding in general compartments, designed for around 100 passengers but often accommodating as many as 300 or more. To avoid higher fines associated with AC coaches, passengers prefer non-AC sleeper coaches. In the worst-case scenario, they approach the Traveling Ticket Examiner (TTE) to check for available seats. If seats are found, they pay a fine and occupy them. Otherwise, they make do by adjusting in fellow passengers’ seats or standing near the doors.
This approach may seem understandable, especially for migrant laborers traveling long distances, where flight tickets are prohibitively expensive, and sleeper class tickets offer a more affordable alternative. In such cases, if caught by the TTE, passengers pay a fine of approximately Rs 1,000 in addition to the general ticket cost, totaling around Rs 1,500 (This data is based on anecdotal information). This practice often transforms sleeper class coaches into virtual general compartments, leaving passengers who booked and paid for their tickets well in advance struggling for space.
The Major problematic areas
This overcrowding issue is particularly prevalent in North India, especially in states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Trains in these regions are notoriously congested, to the extent that passengers often find it impossible to access washrooms or purchase food due to the blocked gangways. This problem is aggravated during the hot summer months, creating extremely uncomfortable conditions for travelers. Such situations are rare in South India, which benefits from better modes of transport and a more extensive railway network.
Overcrowded AC Coaches
In some instances, even AC coaches become overcrowded, leaving TTEs and Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel helpless due to the sheer number of passengers. Deboarding passengers at intermediate stations is not a viable solution. Consequently, passengers willingly pay fines, as these fines are comparatively lower for long journeys, ensuring a relatively comfortable journey.
Horrible Experience in Garbha Express
I personally experienced one such nightmarish journey during a trip from Ahmedabad to Agra. Upon arrival, the train was already overcrowded, with passengers hanging from the doors, making it difficult to board. Inside, I encountered three individuals occupying my reserved seat. Despite being exhausted from booking my ticket two months in advance, compromising on sleep seemed unreasonable. Moreover, the safety of luggage was a concern, as I had heard of thefts in such crowded compartments.
The journey was suffocating, and I took to Twitter to highlight the issue to the Rail Ministry. To my surprise, I received a call from someone in Bihar, who explained that such situations were common and difficult to address.
Major issues faced by passengers with confirmed tickets
The following morning presented a new set of challenges—there was no space to access washrooms, no access to food, and overall, it became an arduous ordeal. We somehow managed to endure until we reached Agra in the afternoon.
This situation is disheartening for passengers who put in considerable effort to book tickets well in advance, only to encounter such unpleasant experiences. While it is acknowledged that general compartments are limited and deboarding passengers would be inhumane, the prevailing penalty system encourages more people to follow suit.
Conclusion
There have been reports of similar overcrowding on trains like the Coromandel Express, where tragic accidents have occurred due to suffocation. Therefore, I strongly recommend that anyone planning to travel in North India opt for AC coaches to ensure a more pleasant and safe journey.
