KAKINADA: The increasing presence of cockroaches and bugs in several trains has become a major concern for railway passengers, with complaints pouring in about poor maintenance and unhygienic conditions. Passengers, particularly those undertaking long-distance journeys, are facing immense inconvenience due to insect infestations in coaches and toilets.
Godavari districts railway passengers association president Gatti Satyanarayana said the association has received numerous complaints from passengers regarding the poor upkeep of trains. He noted that cockroaches and bugs are depriving passengers of sleep and creating an uncomfortable travel experience.
According to him, trains such as the Seshadri Express, Kakinada-Hisar Express and SKMT-Bengaluru-Balurghat Express are among those where maintenance standards have deteriorated. Women and children are reportedly afraid to use train toilets because of the presence of cockroaches, while passengers are spending sleepless nights as insects crawl over berths.
Satyanarayana cited the experience of a passenger travelling on the Balurghat train who posted photographs of the infestation on social media. Railway staff responded by spraying pesticide near his berth, but the cockroaches returned within hours, rendering the exercise ineffective.
Passengers have also complained about poor cleanliness and the absence of locks on some toilets. A woman passenger travelling on the Hisar train said bugs were found throughout the coach, from sleeper class to air-conditioned compartments. She added that even ticket collectors were unable to provide a lasting solution as they lacked the means to eradicate the infestation.
Satyanarayana urged the divisional railway managers of Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam to take immediate steps to address the issue. He said passengers are paying substantial fares and deserve clean and hygienic travel conditions. The association plans to submit a representation to railway authorities and warned that it would launch an agitation if corrective measures are not taken promptly.
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