Okhil Chandra Sen

The Man behind the introduction of toilets in indian trains.

In the first 55 years of operation of the Indian Railways, there were no toilets in trains. On July 2, 1909, an aggrieved Babu Okhil Chandra Sen lodged a complaint to the then Transportation Superintendent, Sahibganj. After this, the railway authorities had no other option but to introduce toilets in all lower class carriages in trains running more than 50 miles.

Okhil wrote this letter in his anguish. Though the letter certainly lacked the basic english grammar but it really became an important document in the history of indian railway.

"Dear Sir ,

    I am arrive by passenger train at Ahmedpore station and my
    belly is too much swelling with jack fruit. I am therefore went
    to privy. Just I doing the nuisance, that guard making whistle
    blow for train to go off and I am running with lotah in one hand
    and Dhotie in the next when I am fall over and expose all my
    shookings to man, female, women on platform. I am get leaved at
    Ahmedpore station.

      This too much bad, if passenger go to make dung, that dam guard
    no wait five minutes for him. I am therefore pray your honour to
    make big fine on that guard for public sake. Otherwise I am
    making big report to papers.

      Yours faithful servant,

      OKHIL CH. SEN"