The Ministry of Railways has proudly announced the upcoming Amrit Bharat Express 3.0, promising mixed AC and Non-AC coaches, inclusivity, and affordable comfort. On paper, it looks like another big step forward in “democratizing travel.” But step inside a general class coach today, and you’ll see a very different picture — one that tells a story of neglect, daily struggle, and broken dignity.
The Neglected Backbone
General class compartments are the true backbone of Indian Railways. Lakhs of passengers — workers, farmers, students, migrants — depend on these coaches every single day. Yet, they remain the most ignored and under-served section of the system.
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Overcrowding is unbearable: people squeeze into every corner, hang near doors, or spread sheets on the floor to rest. Some even string hammocks between berths just to find space.
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Security Concerns: General compartments can be more vulnerable to petty theft, pickpocketing, and other forms of crime due to the lack of individual seat reservations and the presence of a larger, more diverse group of people. The “chalta hai” attitude (a casual, indifferent attitude) among some railway staff can also contribute to safety lapses.
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Washrooms are a nightmare: filthy, unhygienic, and often unusable. For women, children, and the elderly, the situation is not just uncomfortable, but humiliating.
The Big Announcement vs. Old Realities
Yes, Amrit Bharat 2.0 brought modular toilets, new seats, fire safety, and improved lighting. Yes, 3.0 promises AC and Non-AC mixes to balance comfort and affordability. But how meaningful are these promises if the core experience of the common man — the general-class traveller — remains unchanged?
What good is a new train design when the basic dignity of travel is missing for the largest group of passengers?
The Silence on Maintenance
The real problem is not just about design; it is about upkeep, monitoring, and accountability. General coaches are treated as dumping grounds, with zero seriousness about sanitation, maintenance, or crowd management. New coaches may arrive, but if this neglect continues, they will end up looking like the same old ones within months.
If Indian Railways truly wants to make travel inclusive, it must begin with those who suffer the most — the general-class passengers. Without addressing overcrowding, safety, and hygiene, announcements like Amrit Bharat 3.0 risk becoming little more than a shiny distraction.
For millions of Indians, the railway journey is not about affordability versus comfort. It is about whether they can travel with dignity, safety, and basic human needs met. Until the Railways fixes this, the two faces of Indian Railways will remain clear: a headline of progress on one side, and the daily struggle of its neglected backbone on the other.
