Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Becomes Target of India’s Trash Culture

Days before the launch of India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, Indian Railway Accounts Service officer and Chief Project Manager Ananth Rupanagudi urged passengers to board the train only if they respected public property and followed basic civic behaviour.

His warning proved timely. The high-tech Vande Bharat Sleeper running between Howrah and Guwahati was flagged off on Saturday, but by evening, viral videos showed plastic packets and disposable spoons strewn across the coach floor.

The incident highlights a recurring issue: while Indian Railways continues to upgrade infrastructure, passenger behaviour often remains unchanged. Whether it is a premium Vande Bharat or an older express train, littering remains common.

Rail enthusiasts often argue that while the government promotes Vande Bharat trains aggressively, older trains are neglected. However, passengers appear to treat both with equal disregard, turning even brand-new coaches into dumping grounds.

Some claim that such behaviour is linked to affordability or class, arguing that people behave better on airplanes. But ticket prices tell a different story. A 3AC ticket on the Saraighat Express costs around ₹1,500, while the same class on the Vande Bharat Sleeper costs approximately ₹2,300.

Despite paying a premium, littering persists. Interestingly, similar behaviour is far less common on metro trains or flights, possibly due to shorter travel durations, stricter monitoring, and a stronger sense of accountability.

One deeply rooted belief contributing to this issue is that railways are government property and therefore someone else’s responsibility. The idea that public property belongs to everyone and deserves collective care has not fully taken hold.

What makes the incident more striking is that the Howrah–Guwahati Vande Bharat Sleeper had not even begun its commercial services. Regular operations are scheduled to start on January 22, while the inaugural run was ceremonial.

A video shared on social media platform X by a user showed plastic waste scattered inside a coach within hours of the flag-off. The footage triggered widespread criticism from users questioning the lack of civic sense.

The Indian Railways later acknowledged the incident, with a senior official stating that since trains are public property, it is the responsibility of passengers to keep them clean.

Ultimately, this is not a debate about ticket prices or class differences. It is about mindset. When behaviour improves in airplanes and metro systems but collapses on trains, the issue is not money, but attitude.

As India continues to invest in world-class railway infrastructure, the question remains: will passengers treat these trains with respect, or will premium coaches continue to be treated like dustbins?