Surat: Claims of passenger safety and comfort in Indian Railways’ premium AC trains once again came under scrutiny after passengers aboard the Udaipur–Bandra Terminus Superfast Express (22902) alleged a severe infestation of cockroaches and rats in a Third AC Economy coach, triggering protests and repeated emergency chain-pulling incidents.

According to passengers, chaos erupted on Sunday night after large cockroaches were spotted crawling on seats, walls, and the floor of the coach, while rats were allegedly seen moving around luggage and under seats. Disturbed by the unhygienic conditions, passengers reportedly pulled the emergency chain three times at different stations and demanded a refund of their fares.

The train had departed from Udaipur at 8:50 pm on May 24. Passengers claimed that within minutes of departure, the infestation became evident, causing panic and discomfort among travellers.

Dhruv Kumar, a passenger travelling to Surat, alleged that despite multiple complaints lodged through the railway helpline and online grievance portal, no immediate action was taken by the authorities. Frustrated over the lack of response, passengers resorted to pulling the emergency chain near Mawli station.

Following the protest, railway staff initially attempted to control the situation by spraying insect repellent inside the coach. However, passengers claimed the problem persisted, leading to another protest and chain-pulling incident when the train reached Chittorgarh station.

As the situation escalated, senior railway officials reportedly intervened and assured passengers that a special cleaning operation would be carried out at Ratlam station.

Passengers said the coach was thoroughly sanitised after the train reached Ratlam, and two cleaning staff members were deployed onboard to assist passengers and monitor the situation.

Several passengers alleged that due to the poor condition inside the coach, many families were unable to sleep throughout the night and questioned the standards of cleanliness and maintenance in premium railway coaches. DeshGujarat