Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday criticized the central government over train arrangements during the festive season, highlighting the difficulties faced by migrant workers traveling to Bihar, especially for the Chhath festival. He asked where are the 12 thousand special trains.
Pointing out overcrowding in trains, some of which are running at 200 per cent capacity, Gandhi questioned the NDA government’s promise to run 12,000 special trains to control crowding during festivals.
In a post on Twitter, Rahul Gandhi wrote, “It is the month of festivals – Diwali, Bhai Dooj, Chhath. In Bihar, these festivals mean more than just faith; it is a longing to return home – the smell of soil, the love of family, the warmth of the village. But this longing has now become a struggle.”
He wrote, “Bihar-bound trains are overcrowded, tickets are impossible to get and travel has become inhumane. Many trains carry passengers up to 200% of their capacity – people are hanging from doors and even rooftops.”
Taking aim at the NDA government, the Congress leader said that these people are not helpless passengers, but are living proof of the misleading policies and intentions of the NDA.
The social media post further read, “The claims of the double engine government have proved to be hollow. Where are the 12,000 special trains? Why is the situation getting worse every year? Why are the people of Bihar forced to return home every year in such humiliating conditions? If there were employment and a dignified life in the state, they would not have to wander thousands of kilometers away. These are not just helpless travelers; they are victims of the NDA’s misleading policies and intentions.” There is vivid evidence. Safe and respectful travel is a right, not a favor.”
Earlier today, former Chief Minister of Bihar and Rashtriya Janata Dal [राजद] Supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav sharply criticized the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government over train arrangements for the Chhath festival, and highlighted the ongoing migration challenges facing the state.
The RJD supremo alleged that the “uncrowned king of lies and chieftain of hollow promises” has claimed that out of the total 13,198 trains in the country, 12,000 trains will run for Bihar during Chhath. The RJD leader termed the promise as a “sheer betrayal”.
Lalu Yadav wrote in a post on X, “The uncrowned king of lies and leader of hollow promises had claimed that out of the total 13,198 trains in the country, 12,000 trains would be run for Bihar on the occasion of Chhath festival. This also turned out to be a white lie.”
According to an official release of Indian Railways, in the upcoming Chhath Puja and Diwali season this year, Indian Railways is running a strengthened special train to control the rush of passengers during the festivals. Over a period of 61 days, from October 1 to November 30, more than 12,000 special trains are being run across the country.
A total of 11,865 trips (916 trains) have been notified so far, including 9,338 reserved and 2,203 unreserved trips.
This is a significant increase over last year, when 7,724 Puja and Diwali special trains were run, reflecting Indian Railways’ continued commitment to ensure smooth and convenient travel during the festive season, the release said.