Navigating the Toughest Train Journey Experiences: A Harrowing Night

Traveling by train can be an enjoyable and comfortable experience, but it can also turn into a nightmare. Despite careful planning and reservations, unexpected and uncomfortable situations can arise during long journeys. Here’s one such story that highlights the challenges faced by travelers, especially women, during train journeys.

My Journey: A Night of Harassment

Diwali was just over, and I was returning to my workplace from my hometown for work. The journey was a significant one, lasting about 15 hours, and I was hoping for a comfortable ride in 3rd AC (Air-Conditioned) class. At 7:30 PM, I boarded the train with a third upper berth reservation. Unfortunately, the coach was heavily filled, mostly with young men who appeared to be para commanders. Upon placing my luggage below the seats, I tried to take a nap right after the train started moving.

The Unwelcome Intrusion

After about two hours, a guy showed up. He was the friend of the ones who had taken the lower and middle berths. He stared at me while I was eating dinner, but I ignored him. As the night progressed, the coach lights got turned off at around 11:30 PM. That guy occupied the upper berth directly opposite me. To everyone's surprise, he started speaking on his phone with a crude and vulgar conversation, which was audible on the speaker.

The Tension

Suddenly, I felt a cold sensation. The temperature in the compartment was low, and I was fully wrapped in my blanket. However, it wasn’t the cold that caused my shivers; it was the feeling of someone touching my legs. When I looked, I saw that the guy had his hand on my blanket, which sent a chill down my spine. I was scared and started trembling. In the next second, I turned on my phone's flashlight to see him. This unexpected action shocked him, and he tried to defend himself by calling out for an air conditioning increase.

Calling for Help

In a panic, he called the IRCTC women's helpline, angling his tone to sound urgent and threatening. He introduced himself as an officer or a para commander, insisting that the temperature of his compartment (B3) needed to be checked. As he was fumbling with his phone, I quickly searched for the helpline number to call. However, the night was a blur of fear and anxiety. Throughout the rest of the night, I remained in a sitting position, not daring to move. I managed to hold back tears and remained as strong as I could, but the isolation and fear of not receiving support from others were overwhelming.

Conclusion: A Nightmarish Experience

Despite the cold and the harassment, the thought of KP, who was a para commander and had multiple bags, gave me a sense of dread. He got off the train at Delhi station around 4:00 AM, leaving me to face the silence and emptiness of the empty compartment. This experience taught me a tough lesson about the vulnerability of women in such situations and the need for better safety measures and support systems.

Travelling by train shouldn't be a dangerous or uncomfortable experience. It's important for everyone to be aware of their rights and to know the steps to take in case of any incidents. If you experience any harassment or uncomfortable situations, don't hesitate to call authorities or use the women's helpline available with most rail networks. Your safety should always be a priority.