Rats, cockroaches on trains keep commuters on their toes

Railways authoritiesu00a0admits to the problem and carries out an intensive drill to get rid of the menace

It's not just the maddening rush that infuriates commuters on local trains. They have other uninvited guests that keep them on their toes like rats and cockroaches. Simran Sheikh, who frequently travels between Ulhasnagar and CST, said, "I have seen rats running inside local trains regularly and they're so many. Women commuters feel scared."

A rising number of complaints by commuters about the presence of rats and cockroaches on trains has forced the railway authorities to look for an immediate solution to the problem. "Long-distance trains were affected by cockroaches and rats for a long time, but now, they are spotted in local trains as well.

We get several complaints to the stationmaster and the helpline number about this menace," said a senior railway official.

The railways have started an intensive drill to get rid of the menace. Sriniwas Mudgerikar, chief PRO, Central Railway, said, "We inspect our trains regularly. If anything is found wrong, the contractor will be taken to task." Added Mudgerikar, "We also apply boric acid with white flour to drive away insects on trains."

The Railway's board has also sanctioned Rs 20 lakh per year for the maintenance of long-distance and local trains that includes driving away insects from compartments. According to the railway authorities, local trains are washed every 15 days and pest control is also done regularly.

Helpline
Commuters can report about rats, cockroaches or any suspicious activities on trains by filing a complaint in a register available at the stationmaster's office or call on the 24x7 Central Railway commercial control room (CCR) number 022-22659563

'There's a rat u00a0u00a0in my coach'
This reporter called the helpline number to complaint about rats on trains. Here are the transcripts of the conversation:
Reporter: I have seen rats in the ladies train
CCR: One minute (he passes the call to another person)
Reporter: I have seen rats in the ladies train
CCR: What? Fire? Waitu00a0... where?
Reporter: Not fire, rats in the ladies coach
CCR: Which train?
Reporter: Kalyan-bound train from CST
CCR: Where is your train now?
Reporter: About to reach Dadar stationu00a0
CCR: No answer (He cuts the call without saying anything)