A foreign woman’s account of travelling on an Indian Railways night train has gone viral on social media, challenging common stereotypes and sparking a broader conversation about safety and travel experiences in India. The traveller described her journey as “way better than I expected,” highlighting cleanliness and respectful behaviour from fellow passengers.

The woman, identified as Ines Faria, is a 25-year-old backpacker who quit her job to travel the world. She shared her experience through an Instagram video titled “First night train in India as a woman”, documenting her overnight journey and first impressions. In the video, Faria admitted she initially expected the experience to be chaotic and uncomfortable but said the reality turned out to be far more positive.

According to Faria, the train coach was clean, organised, and calm throughout the night. She noted that passengers around her were respectful and helpful and said she felt safe despite travelling alone. The backpacker also pointed out that the atmosphere was far less intimidating than what she had anticipated based on online narratives and second-hand accounts.

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Her video quickly gained traction on social media, with many users appreciating the balanced and firsthand perspective. Several viewers, including Indian and international travellers, shared similar experiences in the comments, while others welcomed her remarks as a refreshing counterpoint to often negative portrayals of train travel in India.

Indian Railways, one of the largest rail networks in the world, carries millions of passengers daily, including a growing number of foreign tourists. While challenges related to infrastructure and safety are frequently discussed, stories like Faria’s underline the varied experiences of travellers and the improvements made in passenger services over the years.

The viral post has prompted discussions on responsible travel storytelling, with users noting the importance of sharing nuanced experiences. For many, Faria’s journey serves as a reminder that expectations do not always match reality and that firsthand experiences can often be more reassuring than preconceived notions.

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