Viral Video Captures Passengers Soaked With Water at Railway Platform, Indian Railways Issues Response
Viral video sparks outrage as passengers at Lucknow station sprayed with water; Indian Railways responds
A viral video going round on social networking sites has invited widespread criticism of Indian Railways after the passengers sleeping on the platform at Lucknow’s Charbagh station were doused with cold water during the ongoing cold wave. The video shows railway staff forcing passengers, who were resting while waiting for trains, to vacate the platform, sparking outrage online.
This apparently is from last week, but in the viral video of the incident, passengers could be seen hastly gathering blankets, among their luggage, and hastily leaving a space that has now been tidied up by staff.
Mixed Reaction on Social Media
The viral video has set people talking and polarized people. Many felt outraged at how unemotional staff were handling people in bitter cold.
One user said, “Heartbreaking to see such poverty and insensitivity. Governments keep failing while politicians grow richer.” Another noted, “Cleaning is necessary but not at the cost of humane treatment, especially in biting cold. Where are passengers supposed to go when waiting rooms are overcrowded?”
At #Lucknow’s #Charbagh railway station, passengers, some sleeping while others waiting for their trains on platforms 8 and 9 faced the insensitivity of the cleaning staff who poured water on them and that too during the cold night to wake them up.
— Hate Detector 🔍 (@HateDetectors) December 29, 2024
A video of the incident went… pic.twitter.com/7A6zRii9Xw
Others, however, defended the action, saying that platforms are not for sleeping. “Railway platforms are for travel, not lodging. Passengers with tickets should use waiting rooms or wait outside,” a user noted.
Lucknow DRM issued a statement about the incident as the controversy went viral. The statement clearly stated that cleaning staff who had been involved were reprimanded and urged the passengers to refrain from sleeping on platforms.
“Necessary instructions have been issued to the cleaning staff and the Chief Health Inspector,” the statement said.
The DRM also said that the station has proper waiting halls, dormitories, and retiring rooms for passengers’ convenience.
The case has reopened debates on whether it is better to maintain hygiene and be more humane to the passengers, especially when the weather is harsh.
