Significant disruption occurred at Patna Junction railway station on Monday, January 28, 2025. The incident took place in the morning when overwhelming crowds attempted to board the 12393 Patna-Delhi Sampoorna Kranti Express. The situation was particularly challenging due to the ongoing Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj (formerly known as Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh. This particular festival has led to exceptionally high passenger numbers on trains heading in that direction. Passengers have shared harrowing visuals of the overcrowding.
Chaos Erupts At Patna Junction For Boarding Train To Delhi
@AshwiniVaishnaw Need immediate relief. Sampoorn Kranti Patna Delhi Train 12393. Family in trouble. Entire bogey (A2/20 & 21) is occupied by crowd, AC is non-functional. #PMO #IndianRailways #railwayminister, #Mahakumbh rush. RPF immediate support needed for safe exit. pic.twitter.com/gdGTiuZdoY
— Utkarsh Kumar (@Utkarshkumar_24) January 27, 2025
According to an article that was recently published by The Free Press Journal or the FPJ, the absence of police personnel to manage the situation further exacerbated the problems. The scene became particularly fraught when it emerged that even passengers holding reserved tickets were unable to board the train.
Today 12393 at patna junction..
We have to go to New Delhi
Not able to board train despite confirm tickets. No crowd management!@RailMinIndia @ECRlyHJP @RPF_INDIA pic.twitter.com/LC1U0BJnLY— Bhola Prasad (@bholasoni) January 27, 2025
Several railway carriages had their doors locked from within, with frustrated travellers attempting unsuccessfully to force them open. When affected passengers sought to lodge complaints at the station director’s office, they found the gates locked.
Dear @AshwiniVaishnaw ji, Confirm ticket ke saath aise travel karne ka kya fayda?
Train No 12397, Coach- 3E @RailwaySeva @RailMinIndia @EasternRailway pic.twitter.com/KT1Pjhl8xK
— खानाबदोश (@Crimino_Guy) January 27, 2025
This left them without immediate recourse. According to the East Coast Railway, approximately 45 passengers were unable to board due to locked carriage doors. The railway authorities responded to the crisis by arranging two special trains to transport stranded passengers to Prayagraj.
Passengers Share Harrowing Visuals Of The Incident
@RailMinIndia @RailMadad The situation in our coach is alarming! Overcrowding with unreserved passengers has led to suffocation, broken glass, and reserved passengers standing at the gate, risking their lives. No officials have reported yet. Train No: 12393. Please act urgently! pic.twitter.com/aGuEyVLb6G
— Aashu Ujjain (@Sidkacircuit) January 27, 2025
These departed from Patna at 10 PM and 10:30 PM respectively. Additionally, the East Coast Railway confirmed that fares were refunded to passengers who had originally planned to travel to Delhi on the Sampoorna Kranti Express.
This is the condition of train 12393 Sampoorna Kranti’s sleeper class.
Indian Railways seems to have no concern about how 15 people are crammed into a space meant for 6. They appear to be waiting for an incident to happen before taking action. pic.twitter.com/t5n6IVN2km— VIVEK SAHAY (@vsahay0458) December 18, 2024
The incident, which was captured on video and widely shared on social media, highlighted the logistical challenges posed by the Maha Kumbh festival. This significant religious gathering commenced on January 13, 2025, and continues until February 25, 2025.
Ye halat hai aaj 3A mein 12393 ka Patna se delhi ka. Staff nhi hai..train nhi hai .. pic.twitter.com/sD2gC8HVqq
— Ravi Krishan Meena (@imravikrishan) January 27, 2025
It is drawing hundreds of thousands of devotees to Prayagraj for the sacred ritual of bathing in the Triveni Sangam. The East Coast Railway acknowledged that the extraordinary crowds were directly attributable to the Maha Kumbh festival, which has placed considerable strain on the regional transport infrastructure.
Have you ever witnessed overcrowding to such an extent? Let us know in the comments section below!
Cover Image Credits: @Crimino_Guy and @vsahay0458/(Formerly, Twitter)
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First Published: January 28, 2025 2:31 PM