സബർമതി-വെരാവൽ വന്ദേ ഭാരത് എക്സ്പ്രസിന്റെ ശോചനീയാവസ്ഥ സോഷ്യൽ മീഡിയയിൽ വലിയ ചർച്ചയായി. ട്രെയിനിലെ തുരുമ്പിച്ച ടോയ്ലറ്റുകളും പൊട്ടിയ ഗ്ലാസുകളും അഴുക്കും നിറഞ്ഞ ദൃശ്യങ്ങൾ യാത്രക്കാരെ ഞെട്ടിച്ചു. അറ്റകുറ്റപ്പണിയിലെ വീഴ്ചയും യാത്രക്കാരുടെ പെരുമാറ്റവും സംബന്ധിച്ച് വലിയ വിമർശനങ്ങളാണ് ഉയരുന്നത്. റെയിൽവേ അധികൃതർ പരാതിയിൽ അടിയന്തര നടപടി സ്വീകരിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ട്.
A Vande Bharat train faced online criticism after photos showed dirty exteriors, rusted areas and broken glass, prompting debate over maintenance and passenger behaviour
A Vande Bharat Express has sparked an online debate after pictures shared on X allegedly showed dirty exteriors, broken glass panels and rusted sections inside the premium train. The visuals raised questions about maintenance standards, while users also debated whether passenger behaviour contributes to the problem.
Geologist and X user Himanshu Mukerjee shared images of train number 26901, operating on the Sabarmati-Veraval route, on October 2. Expressing his disappointment, Mukerjee described the train as one of the “dirtiest and shabby Vande Bharat’s accross India" and said he had not expected to see “untidy exteriors, broken glasses, rusted toilets" on what is considered Indian Railways’ flagship train service.
The images shared alongside the post appeared to show visibly worn-out sections of the train, including faded and dirty exterior surfaces and rusted portions of the interiors. Mukerjee tagged the Ahmedabad division of Western Railway as well as the Railway Ministry while raising concerns over the condition of the train.
The Vande Bharat service on the Sabarmati-Veraval route was launched in May 2025 and caters to passengers travelling between Ahmedabad and the Saurashtra region, including those heading towards important pilgrimage destinations in Gujarat. The condition highlighted in the viral post has therefore prompted questions about the maintenance of premium train services.
The post also drew a response from DRM Ahmedabad, who acknowledged the concerns raised by Mukerjee. “Dear Sir, We take your feedback seriously. The specific spots shown in the were indeed unacceptable and fell below our standards however they were isolated incidents .
Furthermore, based on your kind inputs, Our maintenance staff has given these specific areas special attention, and the issues have been completely rectified. Please see the attached photos of the restored areas," the official account said in response.
The reply indicated that railway officials had taken note of the specific areas highlighted in the photographs and subsequently carried out maintenance work.
The exchange further fuelled discussion among social media users, with several people debating whether the responsibility for maintaining cleanliness lies solely with railway authorities or is also influenced by passenger behaviour.
“People are also the reason why trains are dirty, no use blaming railways, if people aren’t civilized what can they do," said one user.
Another user alleged that similar problems could be seen on other trains operated under Western Railway, writing, “Do travel once in 20923 GIMB Humsafar it’s another gem of @drmadiwr, @WesternRly.. Live rodents running around in coach..Coach Door Broken .."
A third user blamed what they described as poor passenger behaviour, saying, “We have idiots with no common sense in the country traveling through these trains . What do you expect ? Others will suffer because of those idiots. People peeing in the trains, spitting gutka, transgender harassing people. System wide issues,"
Another commenter specifically pointed towards gutka stains and suggested stricter measures to tackle spitting in public spaces. “Stains from spitting out chewed gutka are visible. The cost of maintaining cleanliness far exceeds the revenue the government earns from gutka production. Ban production and imposing fines and penalties for spitting is the only simple solution," the user wrote.
However, some commenters placed the responsibility squarely on railway authorities. “Railways are really bad at managing the upkeep of trains. Bullet trains also once operational will look like this in few months," another user said.
One passenger also claimed to have experienced similar conditions on the same service. “Amazing co incidence..I too travelled same train today morning…noticed same dirty compartment..shocked to fall in standard," the user wrote.