Supreme Court Calls for Urgent Railways Reforms, Says ‘Second Class Passenger’ Label Is Incompatible With Constitutional Values
The Supreme Court on Friday delivered a strong message to Indian Railways, expressing serious concern over chronic overcrowding in trains and questioning the continued use of the expression “second class passenger.” The Court observed that such terminology does not reflect the constitutional promise of equality and dignity, emphasizing that every citizen deserves safe, humane and respectful travel irrespective of the fare paid.
During the hearing, the Bench remarked that a passenger purchasing a lower-priced ticket does not become a “second-class citizen.” The judges observed that the phrase “second class passenger” itself carries an undesirable social connotation that is inconsistent with the spirit of the Constitution. The Court suggested that Indian Railways consider replacing the terminology with a more dignified and inclusive expression while simultaneously addressing the larger issue of passenger welfare.
The Court also focused on the persistent problem of overcrowding in general and non-air-conditioned coaches, where passengers often travel under extremely congested and unsafe conditions. It emphasized that the Railways cannot merely accept overcrowding as a routine operational challenge and must evolve practical mechanisms to ensure that every ticketed passenger can travel with basic safety, comfort and dignity.
Observing that millions of Indians rely on the railway network as their primary mode of transportation, the Supreme Court stressed that affordable travel should never come at the cost of human dignity. The Bench underscored that constitutional guarantees extend equally to every traveller and that public infrastructure must be managed in a manner that respects those rights.
The observations come at a time when Indian Railways continues to witness record passenger volumes, particularly during festivals, holidays and peak travel seasons. Overcrowded coaches, waiting-list pressures and unreserved compartments carrying passengers far beyond their designed capacity have repeatedly raised concerns over passenger safety, emergency evacuation and overall travel conditions. Transport experts have long argued that expanding coach capacity, improving reservation management, increasing train frequency on high-demand routes and modernising passenger facilities are essential to addressing these structural issues.
Legal observers believe the Court’s remarks may have significance beyond railway administration. By linking passenger treatment with constitutional values of equality and dignity, the Supreme Court has reinforced the principle that government services must avoid language or practices that create perceptions of unequal citizenship. If implemented, the suggested change in terminology could become part of a broader effort to modernise passenger services while placing greater emphasis on dignity, accessibility and citizen-centric governance.
