India recently celebrated a historic achievement by overtaking Japan to become the world’s fourth largest economy. But while the numbers on paper are impressive, the reality on the ground tells a different tale, especially for everyday train passengers.
At Panvel Railway Station in Navi Mumbai, one of the busiest hubs in Maharashtra, the condition of the public toilets is nothing short of shameful. Broken fixtures, no running water, a choking stench, and a complete lack of maintenance have turned these basic facilities into a nightmare for passengers.
An X user recently shared disturbing photos of the filthy toilets, tagging top government handles including PM Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The user wrote:
“As of 29 May 2025 we might have surpassed Japan to become the 4th largest economy, but what about the plight of toilets at Panvel railway station?!”
The images were hard to ignore and so was the reality they reflected.
Indian Railways Responds
The official handle of Indian Railways acknowledged the post, tagging @DrmMumbaiCR and assuring that concerned officials were being notified. While this response is a positive sign that feedback isn’t being ignored, what passengers now demand is real change, not just replies.
Despite record-breaking investments in bullet trains, revamped stations, and Vande Bharat upgrades, basic hygiene in railway toilets remains a national embarrassment. Passengers, including women, children, and the elderly are often left with no choice but to use these unhygienic facilities.
For a country aiming to lead globally, this gap between economic milestones and ground-level infrastructure is alarming. What’s the point of global rankings if citizens still have to hold their breath and step into filth while traveling?