• By Imran Zafar
  • Wed, 12 Mar 2025 06:44 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND

A passenger travelling on the South Bihar Express recently shared multiple videos of rats scurrying inside the air-conditioned coach, raising serious concerns about hygiene on Indian Railways. Prashant Kumar, who paid over Rs 2,000 for a second AC ticket, expected a comfortable journey but was instead met with an unsettling sight, rats crawling over seats and luggage in the Ara-Durg train.

The passenger immediately took to social media to highlight the issue, sharing the train’s PNR number (6649339230) and stating, "Is this why I paid so much for AC 2 class?" 

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He also contacted the railway helpline (139), after which onboard staff responded by spraying insecticide meant for cockroaches. However, he claimed this only worsened the situation, as he now had to endure both the rats and the effects of the chemical. To his frustration, the complaint was automatically closed without further action.

The Railways addressed the issue, stating that the coach had been cleaned through dry and wet sweeping using Lizol disinfectant. Additionally, mosquito repellent was sprayed under the seating area, and glue pads were placed to catch the rodents. However, the response failed to pacify concerned passengers.

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The videos quickly went viral, triggering a wide range of reactions. While many users expressed anger over the poor hygiene, others dismissed it as a routine experience for Indian Railways travellers. Some users ridiculed the situation, joking that the rats were "railway-provided pets" or part of an “RAC seat-sharing arrangement.”

One user sarcastically remarked, "Food is terrible, hygiene is poor and the linen is washed once or twice a month—yet they charge thousands of rupees." Another quipped, "Your ticket might be RAC, check it. Both of you will have to share the seat."