Rail Jan Samvaad 2026 received more than 350 grievances and suggestions from passengers and other stakeholders across over 100 stations in the Vijayawada division of South Coast Railway, highlighting concerns over train stoppages, sanitation, drinking water, safety and station infrastructure.
More than 3,000 people participated in the initiative, which was organised under Special Campaign 6.0 to gather public feedback on railway services. Bitragunta, Nidubrolu, Nuzvid and Singarayakonda received a large number of suggestions, according to a report by Deccan Chronicle.
At Vijayawada, divisional railway manager Mohit Sonakiya interacted with around 120 participants. Passengers sought better cleaning of toilets in sleeper-class coaches, along with additional stoppages for Tirumala, Vande Bharat, Simhapuri and Seshadri Express trains. They also requested more MEMU halts and additional general coaches.
Passengers raised connectivity demands linking Narasapur, Rajahmundry, Visakhapatnam and Guntur. At Nellore, Additional DRM (Infrastructure) P.E. Edwin met around 90 participants, while Additional DRM (Operations) Srinivasa Rao Konda interacted with around 70 people at Rajahmundry.
Station-level infrastructure was another major concern. Suggestions included improved toilets, drinking water facilities, lifts, escalators, a foot over bridge at Padugupadu, better waiting halls, shelters, seating, parking and signage. Passengers also sought CCTV cameras at Nidadavolu, Samalkot and Vedayapalem, a stronger Railway Protection Force presence at Bhimavaram Town and Akividu, and platform dividers at Bapatla.
Ticketing issues raised during the consultations included delayed refunds, difficulties with the RailOne app, bandwidth problems during Tatkal bookings and demands for longer reservation counter hours. Several passengers also sought confirmed lower berths for senior citizens.
The feedback extended beyond passenger movement. Stakeholders requested a parcel quota at Eluru to support fish exports and facilities for loading betel leaves at Nidubrolu, linking railway operations with local trade and agricultural supply chains.
Railway officials said the suggestions had been classified as short-, medium- and long-term issues and referred to the departments concerned for examination. Timelines have been set to monitor their progress. CCTV installation at Nidadavolu is already under way, while a proposal for a Narasapur-Rajahmundry-Visakhapatnam train service has been referred to railway headquarters.
Officials added that proposals for additional trains, stoppages and infrastructure improvements would be examined for operational feasibility. The classification and departmental review will determine which passenger demands move towards implementation.
