India’s Longest Train Labelled Dirtiest: Passenger Complaints Highlight Poor Sanitation Standards
India’s Longest Train Labelled Dirtiest: Passenger Complaints Highlight Poor Sanitation Standards
The 4000 km Kanyakumari–Dibrugarh train, taking nearly 75 hours across 9 states, draws flak for unhygienic conditions
India’s longest train, which covers a distance of around 4000 kilometres from Kanyakumari to Dibrugarh in 74 to 75 hours, has come under sharp criticism after passengers labelled it the dirtiest train in the country. Despite being a crucial long-distance service connecting nine states, commuters complained of unbearable stench, dirty toilets, unclean wash basins, and overall unhygienic conditions throughout the journey.
The issue came to light after a viral video by a travel vlogger exposed the train’s condition, sparking outrage on social media. Many passengers expressed frustration, stating that despite paying full fare, they were forced to travel in highly unsanitary coaches, leaving them disappointed with the Indian Railways.
While luxury trains such as Vande Bharat Express and premium services like the Rajdhani Express are known for better amenities and comfort, the state of sanitation in several other trains continues to be a major concern. Based on passenger complaints, the Saharsa–Amritsar Garib Rath has also topped the list of India’s dirtiest trains. Other trains that frequently draw sanitation-related grievances include the Jogbani–Anand Vihar Seemanchal Express, Bandra Terminus–Mata Vaishno Devi Swaraj Express, Ferozepur–Agartala Tripura Sundari Express, and the New Delhi–Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express.
Passengers report lack of clean water, dirty blankets and sheets, broken seats, and poor waste management in these services. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) recently revealed that the Indian Railways received over 100,280 complaints regarding cleanliness issues ranging from unwashed coaches to water shortages in toilets.
The Railways has urged passengers to register sanitation complaints through the ‘Madat’ app or via the dedicated helpline number. Officials maintain that immediate action is taken against flagged issues, though travellers argue that visible improvements remain minimal.
The matter underscores the urgent need for the Indian Railways to bridge the gap between modernization drives and basic passenger amenities, especially in long-distance trains where journeys span several days.
