Just before the launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, a senior official from Indian Railways sparked a conversation about cleanliness and passenger etiquette. Ananth Rupanagudi, a chief project manager, expressed on X that travelers should board the new train only if they can respect hygiene rules and public facilities.
His post quickly gained traction, prompting discussions about whether poor hygiene in trains is due to infrastructure issues or passenger habits.
Rupanagudi stressed the importance of having “toilet manners” and following washroom instructions. He noted that many users highlighted the frequent lack of basic supplies like water and tissue in train washrooms. In response, he acknowledged that while premium services generally offer good facilities, problems often arise when passengers leave washrooms in poor condition.
The debate intensified when a user shared an old clip of railway staff tossing garbage onto the tracks. Rupanagudi argued that outdated videos can be misleading and insisted that violations of waste disposal rules by vendors were being addressed. He even proposed showing instructional videos on trains to educate passengers on proper washroom etiquette.
The discussion comes as Indian Railways prepares to launch the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express on January 17, running from Guwahati to Howrah. This new service, set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, promises a quicker and more comfortable overnight travel experience compared to current express trains.
Recent reports indicate that this service will enforce stricter booking policies, disallowing waitlisted tickets to ensure a smoother journey. Also notable is a circular from the Railway Board stating that passengers will be charged for a minimum distance of 400 kilometers, even if they travel less. Fares are expected to be slightly higher than those of premium services like the Rajdhani Express.
In addition to providing a faster journey—cutting down travel time by nearly three hours on the Guwahati-Howrah route—this new rail service raises important questions about cleanliness and passenger habits. As Indian Railways invests in upgrading its services, the new Vande Bharat Sleeper Express may signify a shift towards modern travel, although ongoing discussions about hygiene and maintenance continue to shape the passenger experience.
For more insights into the future of Indian Railways and its modernization efforts, you can check out the latest reports from Indian Express and Times of India.
