Dark side of Indian Railways shocks French travel vlogger; traumatising experience caught in viral video

French travel vlogger Victor Blaho has sparked a wave of online discussion after sharing his disturbing experience of a 46-hour train journey across India. In a YouTube video titled “DO NOT Attempt a 46H Train Journey in India – It BROKE ME!”, Blaho documented his journey from Mumbai to Varanasi, then Agra to Delhi, using multiple classes of the Indian Railways including Sleeper and Third AC.

The journey, intended as a cultural exploration, left Blaho mentally and physically exhausted. “It’s been three weeks in India. I want to go home now… I need peace, I need quiet, I need a clean bed,” he said in the video, visibly overwhelmed.

Poor Sanitation and Disturbing Encounters

Throughout his vlog, Blaho highlighted the poor sanitary conditions of the coaches. He filmed overflowing trash, and at different points in his journey, encountered a rat and a cockroach inside the train. “It’s very dirty, it smells,” he said while showing the state of the compartments. “Between the mice, the bugs, the people talking loudly, people walking back and forth, I am not sleeping here tonight,” he added.


Another issue he faced was the lack of basic amenities. In one segment, he reported “no water in the toilet,” further compounding his discomfort during the long travel.

Unwanted Social Attention Adds to Mental Fatigue

Apart from the physical strain, Blaho also dealt with uncomfortable social situations. In one incident, a fellow passenger insisted that he speak to his girlfriend over a video call, only to later reveal he had girlfriends in both Mumbai and Delhi. The same man continued to engage Blaho in more video calls, leaving him visibly irritated.

At another point, while navigating the crowded station in Varanasi, he commented on the chaos of Indian cities: “It’s too much noise, brother. It’s too crazy. And they are honking for no reason.” He added, “As a tourist, you get scammed all the time. Good thing they have Uber. 50 rupees for a 30-minute ride.”

In a viral Instagram post, Blaho summarized his ordeal, stating, “46 hours on the lowest train classes across India… my main emotions? Despair & borderline insanity.” He then offered advice to others considering train travel in India: “No, I don’t enjoy suffering—learn from my mistakes: if you’ve got the budget, book the highest class possible.”

Blaho also noted in his video that while Indian Railways is an essential part of the country’s infrastructure, transporting billions of passengers annually, his personal experience was marked by chaos, crowding, and discomfort.

Mixed Reactions Online

The video quickly gained traction online, with many users relating to Blaho’s experience. One person commented, “I went to India for a work trip (Delhi), came back grateful for where I live and with so much trauma.” Another suggested a better alternative, “As a South Indian, I can assure you that it's calmer and less stressful here. Come to South India for a real holiday.”

Despite the backlash, some viewers acknowledged his courage in documenting the less glamorous side of travel. Blaho himself admitted, “I suffer to show you what it is. Don’t do it if you have the money.”