Passengers traveling on Train No. 16381, which operates between Pune and Kanniyakumari, were recently taken aback when they discovered a distressing cockroach infestation within the train compartments. This incident has prompted passengers to demand immediate action from railway authorities to address the issue.
The train, with a scheduled departure time of approximately 12 PM from Pune, covers a considerable distance, taking a minimum of 36 hours to reach its destination. However, the presence of cockroaches running freely in the seating areas has significantly impacted the comfort and overall travel experience of passengers.
One concerned passenger, Abdul Rauf, promptly alerted the Train Conductor (TC) about the cockroach infestation. Unfortunately, the response received from the TC was disheartening. The TC attributed the problem to the existence of the pantry on board, suggesting that cockroaches were an unavoidable issue and that no viable solution could be provided. This dismissive response left Abdul Rauf and other passengers without a resolution to their complaint.
Following this incident, the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) expressed deep regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers. The DRM acknowledged the seriousness of the matter and called for attention from relevant authorities through social media channels. Specifically, the Twitter handle “@sdmepa” was mentioned, along with a reference to the Ministry of Railways’ official Twitter account, “@RailMinIndia.”
Passengers are now urging railway authorities to take immediate action and address the cockroach infestation problem on the Pune-Kanniyakumari train. This incident has raised concerns about cleanliness and pest control measures on Indian railways. It highlights the pressing need for timely intervention to ensure a comfortable and hygienic travel experience for passengers.
Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene on trains is of utmost importance to uphold passenger well-being and satisfaction. Adequate pest control measures, regular cleaning routines, and vigilant monitoring should be integral parts of the railway system’s operations. Swift action is required to address the cockroach infestation issue and prevent its recurrence on this train and others throughout the rail network.
