Premium AC train commuters have been left in the lurch as the special helpline number for complaints has been abruptly shut down, with commuters saying they have nowhere to complain now. Railway officials said they had to shut the helpline due to heavy spam and misuse.

According to commuters, the AC trains need close monitoring as they are now filled with hawkers, beggars and passengers who do not possess valid AC train tickets. Last year, the Central Railway commuters had resorted to what they called a ‘Digital Dharna’, spamming CR inboxes with complaint mails and photos of the daily menace.