The South Central Railway (SCR) was recently directed by the district consumer commission of Vizag to compensate a passenger with ₹30,000 following he faced discomfort on his journey from Tirupati to Duvvada in Vizag, reported Times of India.
According to the report, the commission asked to pay SCR ₹25,000 to the 55-year-old man for the physical and mental stress. Also, the commission asked the SCR to additionally pay 5,000 to cover legal costs.
On the Tirumala express train, V Murthy had booked four 3AC tickets for himself and his family from Tirupati to Duvvada for 3 June 2023, and they were assigned berths in the B-7 coach. Later. a message was sent to Murthy by the Indian Railways that their accommodation had been changed from 3A to 3E.
The report added that during the journey when Murthy and his family members went to use the toilet, there was no water. Also, the coach’s AC wasn’t working properly and the entire coach was filthy. Despite Murthy reporting these issues to the office in Duvvada, no action was taken in response.
What did the Railways say?
The Indian Railways claimed that Murthy’s complaint was based on false allegations and alleged that it was intended to secure money. The railways added that Murthy and his family completed their journey safely by using all the services provided by the railways.
What did the commission say?
Announcing its verdict, the bench of District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission-I (Visakhapatnam) stated that the Indian Railways is obligated to ensure basic amenities including functional toilets and a working AC. The commission added that since railways collected tickets and promised a comfortable journey to the passengers, they should have provided the facilities.
The commission mentioned that the Tirumala express train was running without even checking the basic amenities.
