Cockroaches, rats found in AC First Class of Sampark Kranti:Passengers allege no relief despite complaints to Railway Minister

Passengers travelling in the AC First Class of the Karnataka Sampark Kranti Express, one of Indian Railways’ premium trains, have raised serious concerns over cleanliness and onboard services. They alleged that during their journey from Bhopal to Kochipuram in Tamil Nadu, rats and cockroaches were roaming inside their cabin throughout the night. Frustrated, they complained to train staff, the Railway helpline 139, and even tagged Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on social media, but claimed they received no relief during the journey. Rats and cockroaches in cabin, staff blamed passengers Passenger Anil Tiwari said he was travelling in AC First Class A-cabin when he found rats, cockroaches and overall filth inside. He alleged that despite repeated complaints, the staff made no effort to resolve the issue. According to him, the staff instead blamed the passengers, saying rats come because people eat food inside the coach. He said, “If this is the condition of railway facilities, people should stop travelling by train.” Complaint to Railway Minister on X, no resolution during journey Anil Tiwari raised the issue on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), tagging Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In his post, he questioned the railway’s claim of “world-class coaches”, stating that rats and cockroaches were present in AC First Class. In response, Railway Seva acknowledged the complaint and sought details such as the PNR, saying it had been forwarded to the concerned officials. However, passengers said the situation remained unchanged throughout the journey. Cockroaches got into hair, rats kept running on seats Another passenger, Shivansh Tiwari, said neither he nor his family could sleep the entire night. He claimed rats were moving over seats and even across their bodies, while cockroaches reportedly entered their hair. He said repeated complaints were made, including on 139 helpline, but no effective action was taken. According to him, staff only placed a rat trap. “What is the use of a trap when rats are running on our seats? We were even told that rats come because passengers eat food. Are passengers in AC First Class not allowed to eat?” he said. Complaint on 139, still waiting for action Passengers said that despite registering complaints on the 139 railway helpline, no effective action was taken on the spot. They alleged they spent the entire night surrounded by rats and cockroaches without being able to sleep peacefully. Meanwhile, Bhopal Railway Division spokesperson Naval Agrawal said the matter would be investigated immediately to ensure such inconvenience is not faced by passengers. Questions raised on premium train arrangements The Karnataka Sampark Kranti Express is among Indian Railways’ key long-distance premium trains. Allegations of rats and cockroaches in an AC First Class coach, along with claims of no immediate resolution despite complaints, have raised serious questions over cleanliness standards and passenger services in premium railway coaches.