‘Civic Sense Dekh Lo’: Litter Mars India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper Launch; Viral Video Sparks National Outrage
The much-anticipated debut of India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train, meant to signal a new era of luxury rail travel, has been overshadowed by a viral video showing the state-of-the-art coaches strewn with litter just hours after its inaugural run.
Flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, January 17, 2026, the service between Howrah and Kamakhya (Guwahati) was designed to outperform the Rajdhani Express in both speed and sophistication. However, the “airline-like” experience was met with a stark reality check when footage surfaced on Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) showing empty paper cups, used plastic spoons, and food wrappers scattered across the floor of the brand-new coaches.
“Is This the Government’s Fault?”: Viral Video Triggers Debate
The video, which has since amassed millions of views, features a passenger panning his camera across the debris-covered floor of a coach. The narrator is heard questioning the accountability of the travelers, stating, “Ye dekh lo aap. Ab ye Railways ki galti hai? Government ki galti hai? Ya khud ki galti hai?” (Look at this. Is this the fault of the Railways, the government, or our own?).
The clip concluded with a sarcastic remark, “Civic sense dekh lo aap,” which has now become a rallying cry for netizens frustrated with the lack of public responsibility despite the high Vande Bharat Sleeper fare.
🚨People litter on vande bharat Sleeper train within hours of its inaugural run.
— Indian Infra Report (@Indianinfoguide) January 18, 2026
Just see the civic sense pic.twitter.com/cCcvbJJWoL
Social Media Reacts: “Padhe Likhe Gawar”
The backlash online was swift and severe. Netizens pointed out that while tickets for the premium service range from ₹2,000 up to ₹10,000, financial status does not equate to behavioral maturity.
- “People can pay for a seat but still remain padhe likhe gawar (educated illiterates),” one Reddit user commented.
- Others called for the Railway Ministry to implement strict fines linked to PNR numbers to deter future offenders.
Pre-Launch Warnings: The “Toilet Manners” Post
The incident has brought a prophetic post by a senior railway official back into the spotlight. Days before the launch, Ananth Rupanagudi, Chief Project Manager at Indian Railways, had issued a blunt appeal on social media.
Rupanagudi urged passengers to board the train only if they had “learned their toilet manners” and held “respect for public property.” His warning about maintaining the hygiene of the aircraft-style bio-vacuum toilets and modular interiors now seems to have anticipated the very behavior that marred the launch.
Please travel in it only if you have learnt your toilet manners, will obey the instructions given in the washrooms, and have respect for public property. Thanks! #IndianRailways #VandeBharat https://t.co/mnnm153clQ
— Ananth Rupanagudi (@Ananth_IRAS) January 12, 2026
Regional Cuisine on Vande Bharat Sleeper
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had shared a video of regional cuisine of Bengal and Assam being served in neatly packed hygienic food packets.
Enjoy regional cuisine onboard the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train.
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) January 18, 2026
A new initiative by Bharatiya Railways. pic.twitter.com/IkI8yPUbHw
Vande Bharat Sleeper vs. Rajdhani: Luxury at 180 kmph
Despite the controversy, the Vande Bharat Sleeper remains a technical marvel for Indian Railways. Operating at speeds of up to 180 kmph, it reduces the travel time between Howrah and Guwahati by nearly three hours.
The train is specifically designed for long-distance overnight journeys, featuring ergonomic ladders for upper berths and advanced noise-reduction technology.
| Feature | Vande Bharat Sleeper |
| Capacity | 823 Passengers (16 Coaches) |
| Safety | KAVACH Anti-collision System |
| Comfort | Extra-cushioned berths & Hot showers (1st AC) |
| Technology | Automatic sliding doors & Bio-vacuum toilets |
The Path Forward: Can Infrastructure Survive Lack of Civic Sense?
As Indian Railways prepares to open bookings for common passengers, the Vande Bharat Sleeper littering video serves as a grim reminder that world-class infrastructure cannot succeed without a corresponding shift in public etiquette. While the Ministry of Railways has touted “disinfectant technology” and “superior sanitation levels,” the human element remains the greatest challenge.
For now, the debate continues: Can India truly have “nice things” if the users themselves refuse to maintain them?
