West Champaran: Chhath Puja Exodus Pushes Train Travel to the Brink, Migrants Endure Grueling Journey Home

West Champaran’s Bagaha railway station faces an unprecedented rush as migrant workers return home for Chhath Puja. Trains are severely overcrowded, forcing many to travel in doorways or near toilets due to lack of seats. This grueling journey highlights the challenges of festive travel, prompting railway authorities to implement increased security measures to manage the overwhelming influx.

As Bihar’s revered Chhath Puja draws near, West Champaran’s Bagaha railway station has become a focal point of a massive homecoming, with thousands of migrant workers embarking on arduous journeys to celebrate the festival with their families. Daily, an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 passengers disembark at Bagaha, primarily from bustling metropolises like Delhi, Mumbai, and industrial hubs across Punjab, Himachal, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.

This annual exodus has pushed train travel to its absolute limits. Coaches, including general and even air-conditioned compartments, are experiencing unprecedented levels of overcrowding, far exceeding normal capacity. Passengers are often left with no option but to stand precariously at doorways or seek refuge in the cramped spaces near train toilets. Reports from travelers paint a grim picture, with some recounting instances where even the interiors of lavatories were occupied by desperate passengers seeking any available space. Securing a confirmed seat has become a formidable challenge, compelling many to endure uncomfortable journeys packed like ‘sacks’ in general bogies. The sheer volume of people also creates significant hurdles during boarding and alighting.

In response to the escalating crowd, Bagaha Railway Station Master, राजन कुमार, confirmed that railway authorities have bolstered security and operational measures. Additional security personnel from RPF and GRP have been deployed across the station premises, tasked with managing the surging crowds and ensuring order amidst the festive frenzy. Despite these efforts, the journey home for Chhath Puja remains a testament to the enduring spirit and determination of these returning workers.

Source: Jagran