Patna: Railway stations across Bihar witnessed chaotic scenes on Tuesday evening as thousands of pilgrims rushed to catch trains to Prayagraj ahead of Mauni Amavasya, which falls on Wednesday. Massive crowds gathered at Patna Junction and other major stations, leading to scuffles, overcrowded platforms, and missed trains.
At Patna Junction, platform numbers 3, 4, and 5 were packed with devotees, leaving little room even to stand. More than 200 passengers reportedly missed their trains due to the chaos. Similar scenes were observed at Gaya Junction, Hajipur Junction, Muzaffarpur Junction, Chhapra Station, and Vaishali Station, with thousands of devotees jostling to board overcrowded trains.
The Kalka Express, which arrived at Gaya Junction, became a flashpoint as passengers clashed while attempting to board and disembark. Frustrated travelers broke window panes in anger. The Government Railway Police (GRP) and Railway Protection Force (RPF) had to intervene to restore order, but the situation remained tense.
Trains Overwhelmed by Pilgrim Crowds
Trains heading to Prayagraj from Patna Junction, including the Kumbh Special, Garib Rath Express, and Sampoorna Kranti Express, were overwhelmed by the sheer volume of passengers. AC coaches resembled general compartments, with passengers hanging onto doors and cramming into every available space. Some trains were so crowded that even the bathrooms were occupied.
Suraj, a passenger at Patna Junction, shared his ordeal: “I arrived at the station at 9 am to catch my train but couldn’t board due to the massive crowd.”
The situation was equally chaotic at Muzaffarpur Junction, where a large crowd of devotees tried to board the Pawan Express. Confirmed ticket holders were unable to secure their seats, and the absence of adequate police presence led to further disarray on platform number 2.
Authorities Struggle to Manage the Situation
Passengers at Gaya Junction reported that the Kalka Express was so packed that doors could not be opened. Those outside complained that they were unable to board, resulting in a standoff. Some angry travelers gathered near the train’s engine to protest before being dispersed by GRP and RPF personnel.
As pilgrims continue their journey to Prayagraj for the holy occasion, the situation highlights the urgent need for better crowd management and additional trains to accommodate the surge in passengers during festival seasons.
