Chaos erupted at Madhubani and Samastipur railway stations as passengers protested against severe overcrowding on the Swatantrata Senani Express. The train, running from Jainnagar to Allahabad, was halted for nearly half an hour at Madhubani after frustrated passengers blocked the engine, demanding better travel arrangements.

Despite having confirmed tickets, many passengers found it impossible to board due to extreme congestion. Angered by the situation, some vandalized the AC coach and other compartments, breaking windows and causing significant damage. “We booked our tickets in advance, yet there was no space to even step inside the train.

The railway administration has completely failed us,” said one protesting passenger.

Railway authorities were immediately alerted, and security forces, including the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP), rushed to the scene. Despite repeated requests, the passengers refused to clear the tracks, forcing the police to take strict action.

Eventually, the train resumed its journey, departing 30 minutes late, but not before leaving behind damaged coaches and disgruntled passengers.

Similar chaos unfolded at Samastipur station, where an overwhelming number of travelers gathered to board the Swatantrata Senani Express to Delhi. Overcrowding was so severe that many confirmed ticket holders were unable to board. “We have been waiting for hours, but there’s no space.

The railway administration should have anticipated this rush and arranged additional trains,” lamented a passenger.

At Sikri station, frustration boiled over as passengers broke the AC coach windows in protest. “This is unacceptable. We paid for our tickets, yet the railway authorities have left us stranded,” another passenger complained.

The massive surge of travelers resulted in hundreds being left behind. At Madhubani station alone, nearly 500 passengers were unable to board. While some returned home, others remained at the station, hoping for another train.

Local residents and passengers heavily criticized the railway administration for failing to manage the crowd. “This isn’t the first time such a situation has occurred. Authorities should have been better prepared,” said a passenger rights activist.

Despite the protests and property damage, the railway administration has yet to release an official statement addressing passengers’ concerns. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Indian Railways in managing large crowds during peak travel seasons.

As the dust settles, the focus shifts to whether railway authorities will take preventive measures to avoid such crises in the future. For now, stranded passengers continue to wait, hoping for a solution to their travel woes.

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