Patna: The directive issued by the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Danapur Division to bar ticketless passengers from entering railway stations remained unimplemented on Monday, as massive crowds thronged Patna Junction. The situation quickly spiraled out of control, with passengers occupying platforms, foot overbridges (FOB), and even railway tracks.
As the train heading toward Prayagraj arrived, several passengers resorted to boarding from the opposite side of the tracks, risking their safety. In a shocking display of disorder, miscreants smashed the glass panes of an AC coach, while security personnel remained silent spectators. Even passengers with reserved tickets were left struggling to find their designated seats, as the sleeper coaches turned into overcrowded general compartments.
The sheer volume of passengers created an alarming situation at the foot overbridge (FOB), which shook under pressure. With no space left on the platforms, many passengers sat on the bridge, making it unstable. Whenever a train arrived, the rush intensified, causing visible tremors on the FOB, raising serious safety concerns.
The Patna-Hatia train saw extreme crowding, with passengers forcing their way into sleeper coaches, leaving no room for legitimate ticket-holders. The luggage coach and even the guard room were occupied by desperate travelers. Despite the obvious collapse of security arrangements, RPF and GRP personnel were missing, allowing the chaos to continue unchecked.
With the uncontrolled influx of Maha Kumbh pilgrims, authorities have announced round-the-clock deployment of magistrates and police officers at Patna Junction, Rajendra Nagar Terminal, and Danapur railway station. These officials will be responsible for maintaining law and order, and submitting daily reports to the district control room.
Additionally, the Traffic SP has been directed to manage congestion around railway stations, while civil surgeons have been ordered to station ambulances and medical teams with life-saving medicines. The Patna Municipal Corporation has also been instructed to remove encroachments near the stations.
To bolster security, 110 police personnel will be deployed at Patna Junction, particularly at the Mahavir Mandir side, which sees the heaviest rush.
District Magistrate Dr. Chandrashekhar Singh has issued a strict warning against miscreants, directing authorities to identify vandals through CCTV footage and file FIRs against them. Following an inspection of Patna Junction, he and SSP Awakash Kumar instructed railway security forces to improve coordination to prevent further disorder.
The Sampoorna Kranti Express, which arrived at platform number four, became the site of yet another massive stampede-like situation, as desperate passengers jostled for entry into already jam-packed compartments. Many coaches remained locked, leading to passenger outrage on the platform.
Additionally, the train was delayed by four hours, along with several other key trains, including the Seemanchal Express, Magadh Express, Purva Express, and Patna-Pune Express, adding to the frustration of travelers.
In an urgent review meeting, East Central Railway General Manager Chhatrasal Singh and Chief Secretary Amritlal Meena decided that district police forces would handle crowd management at 35 major stations in Bihar. This includes 26 key stations under the East Central Railway. The Railway administration will maintain close coordination with the district authorities throughout the Maha Kumbh period.
Angry Passengers Shatter AC Coach Windows of Magadh Express
When the Magadh Express arrived at platform number three, chaos erupted once again. Passengers trying to board the AC coach found the doors locked from inside. Frustrated by the lack of access, they resorted to breaking two window panes of the B-3 AC coach, using their hands and feet.
Passengers sitting inside had to scramble away from their seats to avoid injuries from shattered glass. Despite complaints, railway staff on board failed to take any action, and the train departed with broken windows. To make matters worse, the AC system in B-3 failed, leading to severe discomfort for passengers. One woman fainted, but was revived after water was sprinkled on her.
Unending Chaos as Authorities Struggle to Cope
With no signs of relief, railway authorities face an uphill battle in managing the unprecedented rush at Patna Junction and surrounding stations. While security deployments and strict measures have been promised, passengers continue to face hardships, raising serious concerns about safety and crowd control in the coming weeks.
