A social media post capturing ticketless travelers crowding the corridors of the first-tier AC coach on the Sikkim Mahananda Express has sparked fresh concerns over passenger safety and ticketless entries in premium train compartments. The video, widely shared on various platforms, highlights the plight of passengers who have paid for first-tier AC tickets but find themselves amidst overcrowded and compromised travel conditions.
In the shared video, passengers lacking valid tickets occupy the corridors of the first-tier AC coach of the Mahananda train, which commutes from Alipurduar Junction to Old Delhi. The footage underscores the challenges faced by legitimate travelers who have paid extra for a comfortable and secure journey.
Expressing her concern, Swati Raj, an X user, posted the video on social media, urging railway authorities to address the alarming situation swiftly. Responding to the tweet, RailwaySeva, the official support handle for train passengers, requested detailed journey information and urged passengers to use official channels for prompt issue resolution.
The video, circulated on December 18, has garnered substantial attention, amassing over 6.2 lakh views within a short span. Commenters voiced their dismay over the apparent increase in incidents involving ticketless travelers breaching first-tier AC coaches' sanctity, questioning the efficiency of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Ticket Examiner (TTE) in ensuring compartment security.
Concerned individuals highlighted the dissatisfaction among passengers paying high fares for premium services, emphasizing the need for robust security measures and strict enforcement of ticketing regulations. Instances of unreserved and ticketless travelers infiltrating sleeper coaches on different routes further compound the apprehensions of commuters regarding safety and proper compartment allocation.
The prevailing sentiment among passengers points to a rising trend of unauthorized entries into premium train compartments, raising questions about the efficacy of surveillance and enforcement systems. The incident not only highlights the inconvenience faced by legitimate travelers but also underscores the need for immediate corrective measures to ensure a safe and hassle-free travel experience for all passengers.
