Vande Bharat Train Draws Flak Over Poor Condition; Western Railway Says Issues Rectified
A social media post highlighting the poor cleanliness and maintenance condition of a Vande Bharat Express in Gujarat has drawn widespread attention, prompting Western Railway authorities to acknowledge the complaint and confirm that the specific issues highlighted have been rectified.
On October 2, 2026, geologist and rail enthusiast Himanshu Mukerjee shared photographs of Train No. 26901, the Sabarmati BG–Veraval Vande Bharat Express, on social media. He described the train as being among the “dirtiest and shabby” Vande Bharat services and questioned how a premium service operated by Indian Railways could be found in such a condition.
The photographs showed several areas requiring attention, including untidy exterior sections, damaged or broken glass panels and rusted portions inside the train, particularly around the toilets. The post tagged the Ahmedabad Division of Western Railway, Western Railway and the Ministry of Railways, bringing the condition of the train to the attention of railway authorities.
Western Railway Responds
The complaint received an official response from the office of the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Ahmedabad, on social media.
Western Railway acknowledged that the areas visible in the photographs did not meet the required standards, while describing them as isolated incidents.
In its response, the railway authority said:
“The specific spots shown were indeed unacceptable and fell below our standards however they were isolated incidents.”
The authorities further stated that the feedback had been taken seriously and maintenance personnel were instructed to pay special attention to the areas highlighted in the complaint.
According to Western Railway, the identified issues have now been completely rectified.
“Based on your kind inputs, our maintenance staff has given these specific areas special attention, and the issues have been completely rectified,” the railway authority said, while also sharing photographs and video showing the restored portions of the train.
Complaint Highlights Maintenance Challenges
The incident has triggered a wider discussion on social media over the maintenance of Vande Bharat trains, which are positioned as one of Indian Railways’ premium passenger services.
While several social media users criticised railway maintenance standards, others pointed towards passenger behaviour, including littering and spitting, as one of the factors that can contribute to deterioration in the condition of trains.
The latest complaint has also renewed discussions about the need for regular cleaning, inspection and preventive maintenance of premium trains, particularly those operating on busy routes.
Vande Bharat trains require frequent attention to passenger areas, toilets, doors, windows, seats, flooring and exterior surfaces because of their intensive daily operations.
Sabarmati–Veraval Vande Bharat
The Sabarmati BG–Veraval Vande Bharat Express was introduced in May 2025 and is operated by Western Railway. The service connects the Ahmedabad region with Veraval in Gujarat’s Saurashtra region and serves passengers travelling to several important destinations, including pilgrimage centres.
From August 17, 2026, the service was rerouted through Gandhigram and Botad, changing its operating pattern on the route.
The train operates six days a week, except Thursday. It departs from Sabarmati BG at around 6:00 am and reaches Veraval at approximately 12:50–12:55 pm, providing a daytime connection between Ahmedabad and the Saurashtra region.
Railway Action After Public Feedback
The episode also demonstrates the increasing role of social media in reporting passenger concerns directly to railway authorities. Photographs and videos posted online can bring specific maintenance issues to the attention of divisional and zonal railway officials.
In this case, Western Railway’s Ahmedabad Division responded publicly and confirmed that the areas identified in the photographs had been inspected and repaired.
However, the incident also underlines the importance of ensuring that maintenance standards are consistently maintained throughout the operational life of premium trains rather than being addressed only after passenger complaints.
Western Railway’s response makes clear that the specific defects highlighted in the October 2 complaint have been attended to, while the broader discussion over cleanliness and maintenance of Vande Bharat services continues online.
