Premium fare, poor service: Leaking roof in Shatabdi Express sparks online outrage

NEW DELHI: A video capturing a passenger confronting a railway official over a leaking roof inside a Shatabdi Express train has gone viral on social media, raising serious questions regarding the maintenance of India's premium rail services.
The incident occurred aboard the Howrah-New Jalpaiguri Shatabdi Express. In the footage, rainwater can be seen dripping steadily from the ceiling into the coach, prompting an aggrieved passenger to call over a railway staff member to address the issue.
The passenger strongly criticised the poor upkeep of the coach and demanded accountability from the official. He questioned whether this was the standard of service provided to commuters who pay premium fares for their travel. While the railway employee attempted to explain that the issue would be resolved, the passenger insisted on a direct response, placing the official under intense scrutiny.
Following the confrontation, the railway official was seen alerting other maintenance staff about the issue. He reported that water was leaking near seats 70, 71, and 72 in the C6 coach.
The Shatabdi Express is widely regarded as one of India's elite and reliable train services. This incident has triggered widespread criticism on social media, with many users echoing the passenger's concerns over how such glaring maintenance lapses can occur on a premium train.