Passengers stopped Sutantrata Senani Superfast Express at Madhubani station demanding better arrangements for their journey.
Team Clarion
MADHUBANI/SAMASTIPUR – Chaos erupted at Madhubani and Samastipur railway stations as passengers protested against severe overcrowding on the Sutantrata Senani Superfast Express. The train, which runs from Jainnagar to Allahabad, was stopped for nearly half an hour at Madhubani station after angry passengers blocked the engine, demanding better arrangements for their journey.
The situation escalated when frustrated passengers, despite having confirmed tickets, vandalised the AC coach and other compartments, breaking windows and causing significant damage. “We had booked our tickets in advance, but there was no space to even step inside the train. The railway administration has completely failed us,” said one of the protesting passengers.
The railway authorities were alerted, and local police, along with the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP), rushed to the scene. Despite repeated requests, the passengers refused to move away from the engine, forcing the police to take strict action to disperse the crowd. The train eventually departed half an hour late, leaving behind a trail of damaged coaches and frustrated passengers.
The chaos was not limited to Madhubani. At Samastipur station, a similar situation unfolded as a large number of passengers gathered to board the “Swatantrata Senani Express” to Delhi. The train was so overcrowded that many passengers with confirmed tickets were unable to board. “We have been waiting for hours, but there’s no space on the train. The railway administration should have anticipated this rush and arranged additional trains,” said a passenger.
At Sikri railway station, the frustration boiled over as passengers broke the windows of the AC coach. “This is unacceptable. We paid for our tickets, but the railway authorities have left us stranded,” said another angry passenger.
The massive rush of travellers has led to an unprecedented situation, leaving many stranded. At Madhubani station, around 500 passengers were left waiting after failing to board the train. While some returned home, others stayed at the station, hoping for another train to take them to their destination.
“The railway administration should have run additional trains to manage the crowd. This is sheer negligence,” said a local resident who witnessed the chaos.
The incident has sparked widespread criticism of the railway administration for failing to anticipate the surge in passengers. “This is not the first time such a situation has occurred. The authorities should have been better prepared,” said a passenger rights activist.
Despite the protests and vandalism, the railway administration has yet to issue an official statement addressing the grievances of the passengers.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by the Indian Railways in managing large crowds during peak travel times. The need for better planning and infrastructure has become more apparent than ever.
As the dust settles, the focus now shifts to whether the railway administration will take steps to prevent such incidents in the future. For now, the stranded passengers continue to wait, hoping for a solution to their travel woes.
