Guwahati, June 26: Allegations of severe overcrowding and disorder have emerged on several long-distance trains operated by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) following the conclusion of the Ambubachi Mela at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati.
Passengers travelling on reserved tickets have claimed that large numbers of devotees and sadhus returning from the annual religious gathering entered reserved Sleeper and AC 3-Tier coaches without valid reservations, causing significant inconvenience to legitimate ticket holders.
According to passengers, several reserved compartments became heavily overcrowded, with people occupying coach corridors, doorways and areas near toilets. Many travellers alleged that ticket-checking staff and security personnel failed to prevent unauthorized passengers from entering reserved coaches.
Some passengers also complained of loud devotional singing late into the night, smoking inside train compartments and pressure being exerted on reserved passengers to vacate seats. The situation, they said, created discomfort and raised safety concerns, particularly among women, children and elderly travellers.
A passenger travelling on one of the affected trains questioned the role of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and railway authorities, alleging that despite extensive security arrangements during the Ambubachi Mela, large numbers of unreserved passengers were able to board reserved coaches.
“We purchased confirmed tickets months in advance, yet we are unable to travel comfortably in our reserved compartments,” one passenger said, demanding stronger enforcement of reservation rules and improved security measures.
The Ambubachi Mela, one of the largest annual religious gatherings in eastern India, attracts lakhs of devotees from across the country. The return journey of pilgrims traditionally places significant pressure on railway services operating from Guwahati.
Railway authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the allegations. However, passengers have called for immediate intervention by the Northeast Frontier Railway and the Railway Protection Force to ensure the safety and comfort of reserved-ticket holders and prevent similar situations in the future.
The incident has once again highlighted concerns over crowd management and enforcement of reservation norms during peak travel periods associated with major religious events.
