A new viral video, shared by social media user Nikhil Saini, has sparked fresh debate about cleanliness and civic responsibility in Indian Railways. The video, originally recorded by UK vlogger “Backpacker Ben” during a train journey, shows a railway employee collecting waste from a coach and then dumping it directly onto the tracks. Saini reposted the footage on X (formerly Twitter), criticising the act and tagging Indian Railways.
His post read: “Dear Indian Railways, what’s this behaviour? Cleaning the entire coach in front of foreign tourists only to throw all the waste on the tracks, this isn’t cleanliness, it’s pure hypocrisy. If this is your idea of Swachh Bharat, it’s a shameful mockery of it.” The video quickly gained traction, prompting a response from RailwaySeva and reigniting public discussion about hygiene practices on Indian trains.
Public Outrage and Official Response
The video, titled “How they clean trains in India,” shows the attendant discarding the collected waste onto the tracks, even after being filmed. Backpacker Ben, visibly shocked, remarks, “Guess where he threw the trash—on the tracks. All of it, just shoved onto the tracks.
He even saw I was filming, he didn’t care.” The footage has drawn sharp reactions from netizens, with many expressing disappointment over the state of cleanliness and the image projected to foreign visitors. RailwaySeva responded to the complaint, stating, “We regret the experience you had. Please share your PNR number and mobile number, preferably via DM, to enable us to take immediate action. You may also raise your concern directly on the RailMadad WhatsApp Bot.”
Saini followed up by sharing Ben’s original Instagram link, identifying the source of the video. RailwaySeva replied again, saying, “We are still waiting for details (mobile number and PNR number) so that we can register your complaint and expedite resolution.” As of now, no official statement has been issued by the Railway Ministry regarding disciplinary action, but the matter is under investigation.
Systemic Challenges and Cleanliness Campaigns
Despite ongoing cleanliness campaigns like Swachh Bharat and the installation of bio-toilets and waste segregation systems, incidents like this highlight the persistent gap between policy and practice. The Railways have repeatedly stressed the importance of proper waste disposal at designated stations, but inconsistent implementation and lack of accountability remain major challenges.
The recent video has once again exposed the need for stricter monitoring, better training for staff, and more robust infrastructure to ensure that cleanliness protocols are followed. The incident has also raised questions about the effectiveness of current campaigns and the role of public awareness in driving change.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This episode underscores the urgent need for both systemic reform and individual responsibility in maintaining cleanliness and civic sense. While the Railways have taken commendable steps to improve waste management, the gap between policy and practice remains a challenge.
The swift action against the attendant and the contractor is a positive step, but long-term solutions must address the root causes, such as staff training, infrastructure, and public awareness. Indian Railways, as a symbol of national unity, has the power to set a positive example.
