In a rather embarrassing scenario for the Southern Railways, the staff of its pantry cars were seen demanding tips from the passengers in the luxurious Chennai-Coimbatore Shatabdi Express, here.

According to one of the passengers, towards the end of the journey, after the compulsory food is served, the workers move about the coaches with a vessel, demanding tips. “We are already being overcharged for the train fare, by Rs.850 to Rs.1200. This is an added irritation to the passengers, and it is very embarrassing,” C.M. Jayaraman, Secretary of Citizen’s Voice Club, said.

He also said that the officials of the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation are very well aware of it, but refuse to do anything.

Apart from the tips trouble, Jayaraman, in a letter to the Minister for Railways, has also sought a revision of train fares, which would increase the number of passengers on the trains.

“These are heavily crowded routes, and even additional trains would not be enough. But the Shatabdi express runs empty because the seats are costly,” he added.

The train has five to six coaches and all of them are air-conditioned. But the economy class passengers find the fare too high, and the trains have largely failed. But Jayaraman felt that the train would receive a good reception if the fares are reduced and non-AC coaches are added.

Another problem with the train is the compulsory food served to the passengers. The passengers are not given a choice, and the food is forced upon them, at extra costs. “In other trains, you can buy the railway food only if you want. If this option is given on Shatabdi, it can save the passengers up to Rs.390 per trip! And, it also makes the journey pleasant,” Jayaraman said.

The coaches are reportedly poorly maintained, despite the high fares.