12,000 special trains yet chaos prevails, Rahul Gandhi asks why

As the Chhath Puja festival approaches, trains to Bihar are experiencing severe overcrowding, exacerbated by the ongoing state assembly elections. Passengers are facing difficulties securing tickets, and many trains are operating beyond their capacity.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the NDA government for its handling of the festive travel rush. In a post on X, he questioned the government's promise of operating 12,000 special trains, highlighting that trains to Bihar are packed to the brim, with some carrying up to 200% of their capacity. He emphasized that these conditions are inhumane and a reflection of the government's deceptive policies.

Similarly, former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav labeled the promise of 12,000 special trains as a "blatant deception," accusing the government of making empty promises.

In response, Indian Railways announced the operation of over 12,000 special trains nationwide during the festive season, from October 1 to November 30. As of October 25, a total of 11,865 trips have been notified, including 9,338 reserved and 2,203 unreserved trips. This marks a significant increase from the previous year, which saw 7,724 special trains, reflecting Railways' efforts to manage the festive travel rush.

To further address the surge in passenger demand, Indian Railways has introduced 150 completely unreserved trains, providing greater flexibility for travelers without prior reservations. Additionally, the Railway Board has authorized the conversion of sleeper coaches into general (unreserved) coaches during peak travel periods to accommodate passengers holding waiting list tickets or those without reservations.

Despite these measures, the situation remains challenging. Nearly 20 lakh (2 million) passengers are expected to travel to Bihar starting October 25, leading to jam-packed trains and chaotic conditions at railway stations. Trains such as the Gomti and Shramjeevi Express are reported to be so overcrowded that passengers have no space to stand, let alone sit. Approximately 300 passengers have canceled their tickets due to the inability to board.

Stations like Ghaziabad are witnessing severe congestion, with passengers struggling to find space on platforms and trains. In response, authorities have arranged for 200 additional buses to alleviate the pressure.

To manage the surge in travelers more effectively, Indian Railways plans to operate approximately 13,000 special trains during the festive season, nearly double the number from the previous year. Permanent holding areas will be established at 76 major railway stations with high footfall, including New Delhi, Mumbai, and Howrah, to better manage crowds round the clock. Additionally, Indian Railways is exploring options to enhance the quality of meals served on long-distance trains by involving private players through cloud kitchen partnerships.

While these initiatives aim to improve passenger comfort and operational efficiency during the busy travel period, the ongoing challenges highlight the need for continued efforts to address the overcrowding issues faced by travelers during peak festive seasons.