Archive · 9 Jun 2025
How a Man's Humiliation Prompted Toilets on Indian Trains
Imagine riding a train without a bathroom.
That's what it was like in India at first!
It was a problem until a man named Okhil Chandrasen missed his train while trying to relieve himself, which caused him humiliation.
He wrote a letter, and eventually, train officials decided to add toilets, starting with upper-class coaches.
His letter is still around today, reminding everyone that one person can really make a difference.
Even train drivers didn't have toilets until 2016!
Indian trains initially lacked toilets when they started running in 1853.
Okhil Chandrasen's experience at Ahmedpur Station spurred a campaign for toilets.
Chandrasen wrote to railway officials after being humiliated by missing his train.
Toilets were first introduced in upper-class coaches in 1909.
Chandrasen's letter is preserved in the National Rail Museum in Delhi.
- Who
- Okhil Chandrasen, railway officials, and train travelers.
- What
- The addition of toilets to Indian trains.
- When
- The incident occurred in 1909; toilets were added gradually.
- Where
- Ahmedpur Station, Bengal, and on Indian trains.
- Why
- Due to the inconvenience and humiliation experienced by Okhil Chandrasen and the recognition of the need for sanitation on long journeys.
- Initial Train Operation
- 1853
- Incident Location
- Ahmedpur Station, Bengal
- Year of Incident
- 1909
- Action
- Chandrasen wrote a letter to railway officials
- Initial Toilet Implementation
- Upper-class coaches, 1909
- Letter's Current Location
- National Rail Museum, Delhi