‘Zero class or civic sense': Reddit user details nightmare on Patalkot Express

Indian Express

11-06-2025

A Reddit user's recent post detailing a 'horrible' trip on the Patalkot Express has gone viral, sparking a wave of discussion about public etiquette and civic sense in India. The user, travelling with his mother in an AC coach with confirmed reservations, recounted how their journey was disrupted by a large family who allegedly transformed the space into an impromptu wedding celebration.
The user described how a group of 25-30 people, including eight-nine children, were already occupying their seats when they boarded. While the family initially moved, what followed was a series of escalating disturbances. The user noted the family appeared 'legit rich,' adorned with 'gold chains flashing, branded everything,' but seemingly lacked basic civic sense.
The initial hour was bearable, but chaos soon erupted. The family began applying mehendi, while children ran around 'screaming like banshees.' The situation escalated further with an elaborate food spread, including cold drinks, various fruits, dhokla, cake, theplas, and ice cream, accompanied by loud calls and conversations.
Post-lunch, the disruptions intensified. The family reportedly pulled out a speaker and began a full-fledged game of tombola, with numbers being called out as if it were a 'wedding sangeet.' This prompted the user to lodge a complaint on Rail Madad. Although officials intervened at the next station and asked the group to quiet down, the family allegedly retaliated by becoming even louder, singing bhajans, playing cards, and taunting the user for complaining.
A frustrated user concluded, 'Educated, well-dressed, rich — but absolutely zero class or civic sense. Padhe likhe gawar in the truest sense.'
Earlier I used to defend Indians… but today I've lost all hope.
byu/godsfavourite17 inindianrailways
The post, which garnered 1.9 thousand upvotes on Reddit, has resonated with many users, prompting a flurry of reactions. One user commented, unfortunately, there are people who would still defend this behaviour. about a few months back there was a post in which indians were playing punjabi songs on a German bus, dancing and singing along while it was moving on the road. there were locals in the video who were quiet and didn't complain about it. people in the comment section couldn't realise how messed up and annoying that is , having to shove your culture down someone's else throat just because they aren't revolting against you. indians do have a civic sense and discipline problem.'
Another user sympathised with the user who posted, and said, 'Man I feel for you… But you are missing one crucial thing in this incident. This was one large family that didn't have manners and (since you mentioned the gold chains and them being rich) the fact that they still were travelling through an AC coach rather than taking a flight shows that money doesn't buy class. There sure are a lot of such people in our country, but compared to other normal passengers, their number is miniscule.Defending yourself being an Indian shouldn't stop because of such a bad experience. Never ever let anyone disrespect your ethnicity just cuz there are a few bad elements associated with it.'
A third user noted, 'You can sadly see a lot such padhe likhe gawaar abroad as well. I live in New York, and I am appalled by some desis' behaviour at times. Taking calls on loudspeaker, being loud in groups in public places (even when I went to Sky Lagoon in Iceland, a bunch of Indians were screaming and ruined everyone's day). Zero civic sense or empathy for anyone around them.'