Passenger sleeps in makeshift hammock in overcrowded Brahmaputra Mail. Pics, video

New Delhi,UPDATED: Apr 25, 2024 17:26 IST

The dire situation of passengers travelling in the Brahmaputra Mail on April 23 was such that a man made a makeshift hammock using a bedsheet so that he could get at least some space in the overcrowded general coach.

The train was jam-packed to the extent that people were seen sitting on the floor, near the door, as well as inside the toilets. The man who created the makeshift hammock in the train was seen sleeping in it.

“There is no space in the train. Even children are suffering as a result of this,” one of the passengers told India Today TV.

Abhishek Jaiswal, unlike several others, managed to board the train but there was no seat of course. “I want to go from Mughalsarai to Patna, but the condition of the train is bad. Sleeper has become general. The condition of AC trains is worse than sleeper coaches,” he said.

Speaking to India Today TV about overcrowding in trains, Rajesh Gupta, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Deen Dayal Upadhyay, said that India Railways is constantly monitoring the situation and special trains will soon be operated.

“The number of people travelling in trains has increased during summers. People along with their children return home during summer vacations. The wedding season is ongoing as well, due to which the number of passengers has increased. The current harvesting season has also led to people travelling to their villages. This is the reason behind overcrowding in trains at the moment,” Rajesh Gupta told India Today TV.

“In such cases, Railways has always increased the number of special trains. Last year, Railways operated 6369 special trains. This year, we have already planned 9111 trips and Railways is constantly monitoring the situation. Special trains are operated in cases of overcrowding,” he added.

Indian Railways, in fact, is also undertaking several measures to ensure the safety of passengers amid such scorching heat.

“Water-vending machines have been installed in several stations. Coolers have been provided so that passengers can have access to cold water. Special attention is being paid to general coaches as well,” he said.