Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday launched a strong critique of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, highlighting the overcrowded and unsafe conditions faced by passengers traveling to Bihar during the festive season. Speaking out against the state of rail transport in India, Gandhi characterized the journey for countless travellers as “inhuman” and a visible symptom of what he described as “deceitful policies and intentions” of the NDA.

The leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, Gandhi emphasized that safe and dignified travel is a basic right of every citizen, not a privilege or favour granted by the government. His remarks come amid the peak festive season, which sees millions of Indians traveling home to celebrate Diwali, Bhai Dooj, Chhath, and other cultural events. For many, these festivals represent far more than rituals—they embody the deep connection to one’s roots, the warmth of family, and the sense of belonging to one’s native soil.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) in Hindi, Gandhi described the current plight of travellers as a stark contrast to these traditions. “It’s a month of festivals—Diwali, Bhai Dooj, and Chhath. In Bihar, these festivals mean more than just faith, but also a yearning to return home—the fragrance of the soil, the affection of family, the warmth of the village,” he wrote. Yet, this yearning to celebrate at home has increasingly become a struggle, he said, pointing to packed trains, ticket shortages, and overcrowded stations.

According to Gandhi, the volume of passengers has reached extreme levels, with many trains reportedly operating at 200% of their capacity. He claimed that in several instances, travellers were forced to cling to doors and even roofs of trains due to the unavailability of seats. Such conditions, he argued, are not just inconvenient—they are unsafe, undignified, and reflective of the government’s failure to manage essential public services effectively.

The Congress leader referred to the current state government in Bihar and the central NDA administration as the “failed double-engine government,” implying that promises of efficient governance and improved infrastructure have largely remained unfulfilled. He questioned the NDA’s repeated assurances about “special trains” meant to ease travel during festival seasons. “Where are the 12,000 special trains? Why does the situation worsen every year? Why are the people of Bihar forced to return home in such deplorable conditions every year?” Gandhi asked in his post.

Gandhi further linked the struggle of passengers to broader socio-economic issues. He argued that if adequate employment opportunities and dignified livelihoods were available in Bihar, people would not be compelled to migrate thousands of kilometres in search of work. The congested travel scenario, he said, is a direct reflection of the government’s failure to create conditions where citizens can live and work in dignity in their home state.

“Safe and respectable travel is a right, not a favour,” Gandhi emphasized, reinforcing the point that basic services like rail transport should be managed in a manner that protects human dignity and safety. He also highlighted that the plight of travellers is a visible and recurring issue, representing not just logistical challenges but the deeper failure of policy and governance.

To strengthen his argument, Gandhi shared a video montage contrasting two realities. On one side, the footage showed overcrowded platforms, jam-packed trains, and exhausted passengers waiting in long queues. On the other side, the video depicted Prime Minister Narendra Modi participating in ceremonial train flag-offs, underscoring a stark disconnect between official displays and the ground reality faced by ordinary citizens. Gandhi’s split-screen approach visually reinforced his critique, illustrating the contrast between symbolic gestures and actual public service delivery.

The issue of overcrowded trains during festive periods is not new to India. Millions of Indians travel across the country to reunite with families, observe traditional customs, and participate in regional celebrations. During festivals like Diwali and Chhath, Indian Railways experiences one of the highest passenger loads of the year, often straining the system beyond capacity. The situation is further exacerbated by limited ticket availability, outdated booking systems, and inadequate infrastructure at stations.

Despite repeated government promises to improve services and introduce special trains to manage peak travel demand, many passengers report persistent challenges, including long waits, standing-room-only conditions, and in some cases, unsafe overcrowding. Experts have repeatedly emphasized that this is not only a logistical issue but also a public safety concern, as overcrowded trains increase the risk of accidents, injuries, and even fatalities.

Gandhi’s statement comes at a time when public scrutiny of India’s transport systems is heightened. Several passenger advocacy groups have raised concerns about transparency, efficiency, and equitable access to services, particularly for migrant workers and residents from states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand who travel long distances during festival seasons. The recurring congestion has sparked calls for systemic reforms, including better scheduling, improved booking infrastructure, and expanded capacity to ensure that citizens can travel safely and comfortably.

By framing the issue as a matter of rights rather than charity, Gandhi positioned the debate around accountability and governance. He asserted that the suffering of festival travellers is evidence of the government’s neglect and mismanagement, and a reminder that citizens’ basic entitlements—such as safe, reliable, and dignified transportation—must be prioritized. The Congress leader’s argument is rooted in the notion that governance should not merely be performative, involving ceremonial flag-offs and public appearances, but should translate into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives.

Gandhi’s remarks also touch on broader themes of migration and socio-economic opportunity. The crowded trains, in his view, symbolize the larger challenge of uneven development, where millions are forced to leave their home states for better employment prospects elsewhere. Ensuring safe and dignified travel, he argued, is intertwined with the government’s responsibility to address structural inequalities, provide sustainable livelihoods, and improve living standards in regions like Bihar.

The debate over train capacity and passenger safety during festivals is likely to continue, with advocacy groups, media outlets, and political parties keeping a close watch on government responses. As citizens prepare for the upcoming Chhath festival and other celebrations, pressure is expected to mount on Indian Railways and central authorities to implement immediate measures to improve service delivery, reduce overcrowding, and ensure that travel remains safe and dignified.

In conclusion, Rahul Gandhi’s critique highlights a persistent challenge facing India’s rail network during peak festival seasons, emphasizing both the human and policy dimensions of the issue. By linking overcrowded trains to governance failures, socio-economic disparities, and citizens’ basic rights, Gandhi framed the problem not as an occasional inconvenience but as a systemic failure demanding urgent attention. The call for “safe and respectable travel” underscores the need for comprehensive reforms, greater accountability, and a government responsive to the real-life challenges faced by millions of Indians seeking to return home during the festive season.

---