Indian Railways: A need of Comprehensive Reforms and Compassionate Measures

Train travel has been an essential aspect of the Indian journey for many years. Unfortunately, a recent traveling experience of my own encounter has brought my attention to the various difficulties faced by passengers on the Indian Railways. While the government concentrates on promoting luxury train services like Vande Bharat Express, Tejas Express, etc. The railways that serve the majority of the population, especially the less privileged and middle class, appear to have been neglected. This article aims to emphasize the urgent challenges encountered by everyday passengers and presents potential solutions for an enhanced rail travel experience.

Vande Bharat Express 

The Disheartening Journey:

I had to travel from my college to my hometown during my summer vacation. Despite my utmost efforts, I couldn't obtain a train ticket, not even under the Tatkal category. As a result, I had to endure a challenging journey, facing the intense heat of the summer, with unhygienic food by railway and also no sanitizing facility in the sleeper coach. To add to the hardship, I fell ill with a fever soon after reaching home. 

One thing I noticed was that the railway officials were too busy to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Cabinet Ministers, and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for the inauguration of the Vande Bharat Express, However, had they(officials) diligently executed their responsibilities, the condition of Indian railway would have surpassed that of numerous other countries.

Neglecting the Needs of the Masses:

The government's prioritization of premium train services like Vande Bharat, Tejas Express, etc. has raised concerns about the condition of the Indian Railways, which a significant portion of the population, including the poor and middle class, heavily relies on for their travel requirements. The lack of additional coaches during peak periods, poor food quality in express trains, inadequate sanitation facilities in coaches and bathrooms, the worsening condition of sleeper classes and General classes, and regular news of snatching or stealing of personal belonging, have all become critical issues that demand immediate attention from railway officials and the government.

Poor Quality Veg Biryani on Train

Sleeper Coaches During Festival 

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The disparity in Accountability:

The recent news of a train driver's suspension for a minor delay on the Vande Bharat Express highlights a clear discrepancy in the treatment of trains. While swift action is taken in such cases, thousands of trains nationwide consistently fail to adhere to their schedules without facing any consequences. It is vital to address this inconsistency and ensure that all trains, regardless of their status, are held to the same standard of punctuality.

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Challenges in Ticket Booking:

Booking train tickets(As The train tickets are booked months before by the broker), especially Tatkal tickets, have turned into a passenger's worst nightmare. The system is controlled by brokers who monopolize the process, purchasing numerous tickets beforehand and reselling them at exorbitant rates,  As a result, ordinary and honest peoples find it extremely challenging to secure a ticket when they need it the most, The IRCTC app and website have a lot of technical problems with unfriendly user interface, which makes it really frustrating and difficult for users to book tickets. It's made even worse by the collaboration between ticket counters and online brokers, which makes it almost impossible to get a ticket using either the app or the website.

A Call for Reform:

While acknowledging the importance of the Indian Railways as a lifeline for millions of people who cannot afford air travel, the government must take immediate action to rectify the prevailing issues. The following measures are proposed to enhance the passenger experience:

1. Enhanced Sanitation and Hygiene: Ensuring cleanliness and hygiene in train coaches and bathrooms is of utmost importance. To achieve this, the railway should implement a rigorous sanitization protocol. This comprehensive will aims to maintain hygiene, keeping passengers safe and comfortable throughout the journey.

2. Quality Meals for Everyone: Ensuring that express trains also provide wholesome and nutritious meals to passengers, as currently experienced only in premium trains.

3. Eliminating Brokers: Stricter measures to eliminate the influence of brokers and their illegal practices, enabling genuine travelers to secure tickets at affordable prices.

4. Simplified, Efficient, and Effortless Ticket Booking: Enhancing the user-friendliness and dependability of the IRCTC app and websites, enabling passengers to effortlessly book tickets without any technical glitches or delays. Indian railways must provide a seamless and hassle-free ticket booking experience, ensuring convenience and reliability for all users.

5. Ensuring Sufficient Coaches during Rush Periods: Increasing the number of coaches during peak travel periods to accommodate the surge in passenger demand, thereby reducing overcrowding and ensuring a safer and more comfortable journey. during Timeliness: 

6. Prioritizing Punctuality: By making punctuality a top priority for all train services, including non-premium ones, Indian Railway can build a sense of confidence among passengers and reduce the frustrations caused by frequent delays

7. Enhancing Safety Measures: To create a secure and worry-free travel experience for passengers, it is vital to implement a comprehensive set of safety protocols. These protocols will include regular inspections, diligent maintenance of coaches, and efficient emergency response systems. By taking these proactive measures, passengers can feel confident and at ease throughout their journeys.

Conclusion:

The challenges faced by everyday passengers on the Indian Railways cannot be ignored. While the government promotes premium train services, it is crucial to address the urgent requirements of the majority who heavily rely on railways for travel. By improving amenities, ensuring accountability, and simplifying ticket bookings, the government can make remarkable progress in enhancing the overall travel experience for millions of passengers. It's high time for comprehensive reforms that bridge the gap between premium and non-premium train services, providing equal comfort and convenience to all.