The picturesque journey on the Vande Bharat Express takes a concerning turn as railway official Ananth Rupanagudi raises alarm over a growing issue – children sitting on snack trays. In a recent revelation, Rupanagudi shared images depicting parents allowing their children to perch on the snack trays, posing a risk of breakage and defects.
Fragile Foundations: Snack Trays Under Strain
Vande Bharat Express, known for its chair car compartments, features fold-out trays attached to the seats’ backs, designed for serving meals and snacks. However, these trays are not engineered to withstand the weight of toddlers or children. Rupanagudi’s social media post shed light on this issue, emphasizing the consequences of such behavior on the integrity of the trays.
A Picture Speaks a Thousand Words: A Snapshot of Misuse
The shared image showcased a couple comfortably seated while their children perched on the snack trays, facing their parents. This practice, although seemingly harmless, has repercussions that extend beyond inconvenience.
Pointing Fingers and Seeking Solutions
Expressing frustration, Rupanagudi addressed a user’s post on social media, defending against accusations of blaming passengers for the tray issues. He urged passengers to adhere to guidelines and refrain from using the trays as makeshift seats, highlighting the Railways’ often misplaced accountability for damaged amenities.
Challenges of Enforcement: Striking a Balance
While suggestions for fines or stricter regulations abound, Rupanagudi acknowledges the challenges of enforcing such measures. He emphasizes the importance of sensitizing staff to communicate, caution, and advise passengers against misusing train fittings. Stricter enforcement, he notes, has its limitations.
A Stand Against Penalties: Prioritizing Sensitization
In the face of proposals to penalize passengers misusing snack trays, Rupanagudi remains firm in rejecting punitive measures. Addressing suggestions to imprint trays with weight capacity, he asserts, “A snack tray serves its purpose. Delving into extensive debates about design changes would incur additional expenses, considering the volume of seats in each train.”
