The much-anticipated Vande Bharat Sleeper train finally began its journey with great celebration. Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially launched the service from Malda in West Bengal on Saturday. This new train promises a major upgrade for long-distance travel in India.
Modern Train Faces Old Problem
Despite the fanfare surrounding its introduction, a troubling video quickly spread across social media platforms. The footage shows empty paper cups and used spoons scattered on the floor inside one of the brand new coaches. Many believe someone recorded this video on the very first day of the train's operation.
The person filming the scene moves the camera across the littered area while asking pointed questions. "Look at this," he says in Hindi. "Is this the fault of the Railways? The government? Or is it our own fault?" He then adds, "Look at the civic sense," directly criticizing the lack of public responsibility displayed by passengers.
Online Reactions Pour In
The video immediately went viral, sparking intense discussions about civic behavior on public transportation. On Reddit, where the clip first gained attention, users expressed strong opinions about what the littering revealed.
One user commented that paying higher ticket prices doesn't automatically mean better manners. "People can pay two thousand to ten thousand rupees for a seat and still remain uncivilized," they wrote. Another user questioned previous assumptions that more expensive fares would guarantee responsible behavior from passengers.
Some expressed frustration with what they see as a recurring pattern in India. "We seriously don't deserve good things," one person remarked. Others suggested practical solutions, including imposing fines on offenders and blocking them from future bookings.
Railways Official Had Issued Warning
The timing of this incident makes it particularly noteworthy. Just days before the train's launch, a senior railway official made a public appeal to future passengers. Ananth Rupanagudi, Chief Project Manager of Indian Railways, posted a message on social media platform X.
He specifically asked people to travel on the new train only if they had learned proper toilet manners. Rupanagudi emphasized that passengers should obey instructions in the washrooms and show respect for public property. Many social media users have now highlighted this warning in light of the viral video.
About the Vande Bharat Sleeper
Indian Railways positions this train as a significant advancement in long-distance rail travel. The sleeper version operates on the Howrah to Kamakhya corridor, connecting Kolkata with Guwahati. Officials describe it as the fastest train currently serving this important route.
The train consists of sixteen modern coaches with a total capacity of eight hundred twenty-three passengers. It can reach speeds up to one hundred eighty kilometers per hour. Railway authorities expect it to substantially reduce travel time between eastern and northeastern cities.
Broader Questions Emerge
As the Vande Bharat Sleeper prepares for regular service, this incident has revived an ongoing debate. Many are asking whether infrastructure improvements alone can transform travel experiences. The discussion now focuses equally on whether passenger behavior needs to change for such premium projects to truly succeed.
The contrast between the train's advanced features and the basic littering problem has captured public attention. It raises fundamental questions about responsibility, civic sense, and how India can maintain its new infrastructure investments.
