Bhagalpur: As Holi and the summer holidays draw near, railway stations across Bihar are beginning to see heavy crowds, and Bhagalpur is no exception. Passengers are rushing to book tickets weeks in advance, but many are still finding only waiting-list status. Popular long-distance trains such as the Vikramshila Express, Ang Express and Lokmanya Tilak Express are already showing long waiting lists. Families, students and migrant workers are all trying to return home for the festival, creating pressure on a limited number of seats and berths.
Because of this growing rush, Indian Railways has decided to strictly enforce rules that are often ignored. Passengers travelling with waiting-list tickets will not be allowed to enter reserved AC coaches. In the past, many people boarded trains hoping to adjust later, but this caused serious problems for those with confirmed tickets. Coaches became overcrowded, passages were blocked, and disputes between passengers became common.
Railway officials say that the problem has been reported again and again by travellers. Complaints have been lodged with train escorts and through the Rail Madad system, which allows passengers to report issues during their journey. Many confirmed ticket holders said they were forced to stand or sit uncomfortably because others without reservations occupied space meant for them. The railways now want to ensure that those who follow the rules can travel safely and peacefully.
To reduce the pressure, special trains are also being run on busy routes. However, officials admit that demand is still very high and cannot be fully met. They have warned that strict action will be taken during the festive season, especially on trains starting from or passing through Bhagalpur. The message from the railways is clear: only confirmed passengers will be allowed in reserved coaches, and rules will be followed to make journeys safer and more comfortable for everyone.
