Bengaluru–Shivamogga Train 20689 Faces Passenger Outrage Over Dirty Toilets, Overcrowding

NewsFlash Daily™

26 April
Exclusive

Users on X raise hygiene and overcrowding concerns on Train 20689, RailwaySeva seeks details for action amid growing passenger outrage

Bengaluru: Passengers have raised serious concerns over overcrowding and unhygienic conditions on Train No. 20689 running between Bengaluru and Shivamogga, with complaints going viral on X.

A user identified as Mohan Gowda highlighted that the train is “always overcrowded,” adding that the washrooms frequently lack water, making them dirty and foul-smelling, causing significant inconvenience to daily commuters.

“Passengers face serious inconvenience. Railway authorities must take immediate action and ensure basic hygiene facilities,” the user posted.

While speaking with NewsFlash Daily™, passenger and Hindu activist Mohan Gowda said that Train No. 20689 from Bengaluru to Shivamogga is always heavily crowded, and getting tickets itself is very difficult. He added that the washrooms often have no water, making them dirty and foul-smelling, causing serious inconvenience to passengers. He urged railway authorities to take immediate action and ensure proper maintenance and basic hygiene facilities.

RailwaySeva Responds, Seeks Complaint Details

Responding to the complaint, RailwaySeva urged the passenger to share journey details such as PNR or UTS number and mobile contact, preferably via direct message, to enable immediate action.

Authorities also advised passengers to lodge complaints through the official grievance portal of Indian Railways or dial the helpline number 139 for faster resolution.

Further Criticism Over “Negligence”

Another user, Hindu Unity Front, amplified the issue, tagging railway authorities and alleging systemic negligence.

“Passengers are paying for tickets but forced to travel in unhygienic conditions… This is negligence, not service. Please fix it urgently,” the comment read.

Recurring Complaints Raise Questions

The incident underscores persistent issues in passenger amenities, particularly on high-demand routes like Bengaluru–Shivamogga. Regular commuters have long flagged concerns about crowding, sanitation, and maintenance, especially during peak travel periods.

While the railways have responded promptly online, passengers are now expecting on-ground improvements to ensure basic hygiene and comfort standards are consistently maintained.