Vande Bharat Sleeper Launch: Railway Official's 'Toilet Manners' Remark Sparks Online Debate

• Ananth Rupanagudi, an Indian Railways official, urged passengers to use Vande Bharat Sleeper only if they follow basic hygiene rules.
• His remark on X (formerly Twitter) went viral, sparking a debate on train cleanliness, infrastructure, and passenger behavior.
• Users highlighted issues like lack of water and upkeep in train washrooms; Rupanagudi countered that premium services have facilities but passenger misuse is an issue.
• The official dismissed old videos of staff littering tracks, stating vendors violating waste disposal rules are penalized.
• The Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, launching January 17 on the Guwahati–Howrah route, will have stricter booking rules and higher fares.

Why It Matters: A railway official's hygiene remark ahead of Vande Bharat Sleeper launch ignites a debate on cleanliness and passenger responsibility.