18,000 Trains Fall Short During Chhath; Passengers Forced to Sit in Toilets Amidst Chaos at Stations

Every year, during the Diwali and Chhath festival period, train travel sees a massive surge in demand. This year, the Railways has operated approximately 18,000 special trains; however, the overwhelming number of passengers has placed immense strain on the railway system.

During Diwali and Chhath, a large number of people head home, making it difficult to secure tickets for buses, flights, or trains. To address this, Indian Railways runs a significant number of special trains each year, enabling as many people as possible to travel home for the festivities.

Currently, the massive influx of passengers traveling home for Diwali and Chhath has put significant pressure on railway operations. Although special trains are running on various routes, the sheer volume of travelers has made boarding a major struggle. The crowds are so dense that there is hardly any space to stand—not just on the trains, but even at the railway stations themselves. Some passengers have been forced to sit in toilets for the duration of their journey, while others have been seen boarding through doors and windows.

Will the Crowds Ease After Diwali?

With Diwali now over, one might wonder if the rush on trains will subside—the answer is no. While Diwali has passed, the Railways faces an even greater challenge as Chhath approaches. In the days leading up to Chhath, passenger numbers are expected to rise further as many more people head home. The heaviest congestion is likely to be seen on trains bound for Bihar, Patna, and Jharkhand.

How Many Trains Are Being Operated?

According to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, approximately 18,000 special trains are being operated to ensure that a large number of passengers can travel home and celebrate the festivals with their families. However, the current situation is such that even the additional trains arranged on various routes are proving insufficient to accommodate the growing number of passengers. As people head home in large numbers to celebrate festivals, the sheer volume of travelers—persisting day after day—has placed immense strain on the railway’s infrastructure, even with a significant number of special trains already in operation. Notably, while around 12,000 special trains were run last year, that number has been increased for this year.

Special Arrangements for Crowd Management

The Railways has established 'holding areas' at approximately 20 stations, where passengers can be held back before being allowed onto the platforms. Furthermore, around 700 AI-enabled cameras have been installed to monitor crowd levels. In short, the Railways has implemented specific measures to ensure passenger safety and manage large crowds. Meanwhile, trains departing from Mumbai toward Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Bihar are witnessing heavy overcrowding. At Udhna station in Surat, passengers are forced to wait for several hours just to board their trains.

The Plight of Migrant Workers

Additionally, in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, there is a massive influx of migrant workers heading toward Bihar. At DDU Junction in Uttar Pradesh, the situation has become so dire that some individuals are compelled to sit inside toilets for the duration of their journey, while others are forced to travel while standing near the train doors.