Jul 17, 2013 07:24 PM
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Recently, I travelled by Rajdhani express from New Delhi to Bangalore. I had to travel by train as the air tickets had become really expensive and my travel was planned at the last moment.
While the train facilities and services were usual - dirty and inefficient, what shocked me most was the behaviour of catering staff. As you would be aware, the catering services on Indian trains are not known for great quality, taste or hygiene. However, what I found unusual was the fact that the catering staff was almost forcibly collecting Rs.100 from each passenger.
Towards the end of the journey, the catering staff came to my seat and started flashing some 100 rupee notes. When I looked around, I found people handing over Rs.100 notes to them. Then he told me - sir, you also have to give money. When I told him that I have already paid money to Indian Railways, he made a strange face and told me that he is expecting money for the "excellent service" that he provided.
I refused to pay him money. When he was about to serve morning tea, he deliberately didn't serve me tea. When I asked him, he told me to walk to Pantry Car to get the tea.
This episode has left me totally shocked. In Indian Railways, now people feel that getting a tip is their birthright.
