A shocking case of passenger neglect has come to light on the Awadh Assam Express, where a traveler reportedly endured a 24-hour journey without access to a functional washroom, sparking outrage over the worsening hygiene and overcrowding in Indian Railways.
The incident occurred during a journey from Delhi to Guwahati, one of the train’s longest routes, when both toilets in a sleeper coach were found clogged and overflowing shortly after departure. Despite repeated complaints to onboard staff and the railway helpline, no cleaning personnel attended to the issue throughout the trip.
“I couldn’t use the toilet for the entire journey. The stench was unbearable, and the compartments were so crowded that moving between coaches was impossible,” the passenger recounted in a now-viral social media post.
The Awadh Assam Express—known for connecting North India to the Northeast—has long been under scrutiny for poor sanitation and maintenance. Passengers frequently report malfunctioning toilets, broken fans, dirty bedding, and overcapacity coaches, especially during festival and holiday seasons.
Following the social media uproar, officials from Indian Railways have acknowledged the complaint and initiated an internal inquiry into the matter. A spokesperson assured that “action will be taken against those responsible for neglecting onboard sanitation,” and promised better monitoring mechanisms for long-distance trains.
However, railway users remain skeptical, saying that similar promises in the past have failed to bring meaningful change. Many passengers have urged Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to implement real-time hygiene tracking systems and AI-based maintenance alerts to ensure washroom cleanliness on long routes.
The incident once again underscores the urgent need for improved hygiene, maintenance, and accountability in India’s railway system—especially on long-haul trains where passengers depend on basic facilities for comfort and dignity.
