Travel in it only if you have learnt toilet manners! Vande Bharat Sleeper, railway official warns

Chief Project Manager of Indian Railways, Ananth Rupanagudi, took to X (formerly Twitter) to stress that only passengers who respect toilet usage and public property should travel on the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express. “The real concern is that many passengers do not flush toilets or check whether the system is working,” he said. The post quickly went viral, attracting over 80,000 views and sparking widespread discussion online.

Debate Over Passenger Responsibility

Even before the train’s formal launch, discussions around passenger behaviour and hygiene have dominated conversations, rather than speed or onboard facilities. Several users pointed out that basic amenities like functioning flush systems, water, and tissues are sometimes lacking even in other premium coaches such as 2AC and 3AC.

Railway Response to Criticism

Rupanagudi clarified that such issues are rare on premium services. He dismissed claims showing staff dumping garbage on tracks, stating that selective or old videos do not reflect the current reality. The Railways have assured strict enforcement of cleanliness norms, with heavy fines for vendors violating rules.

Vande Bharat Sleeper: What to Expect

The Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 17, running on the Guwahati-Howrah route. The service introduces several changes, including a ticketing system with only confirmed tickets, eliminating RAC or waiting lists. Fares will be slightly higher than other premium trains like the Rajdhani, with travel time expected to be reduced by nearly three hours.

Balancing Modernity and Responsibility

Railway officials emphasise that as trains become more modern, passenger responsibility must evolve alongside infrastructure improvements. The warning about toilet etiquette reflects a push for both hygiene and a culture of accountability on premium services.