BSF train with broken seats, filth and cockroaches goes viral; Rail staff suspended | WATCH

New Delhi: A major controversy erupted after a dilapidated and unhygienic train was initially provided to transport around 1,200 Border Security Force (BSF) personnel from Tripura to Jammu and Kashmir for duty during the upcoming Amarnath Yatra. The issue led to swift action by the Railway Minister, including the suspension of four railway officials and the arrangement of a replacement train for the jawans.

Viral video of allotted coach seats for BSF jawans

The BSF, in an official statement, confirmed that the train initially assigned for their personnel had several coaches in "poor condition." The matter was flagged through an official communication to Indian Railways, prompting immediate intervention.

"A few coaches of the train initially allotted to our jawans were in poor condition. The issue was brought to the attention of Indian Railways through an official letter. Following this, a replacement train was arranged. The jawans will now continue their journey," a BSF personnel stated.

Railway minister takes action

The Railway Ministry confirmed that the train's rake was changed promptly, and disciplinary action was taken against the responsible staff.

"Action was taken on this yesterday itself. The train's rake was changed. Four officers who were responsible for this have been suspended," said the Railway Minister, reaffirming that the dignity of the security forces is paramount and such negligence will not be tolerated.

A statement from the Ministry also confirmed that a special train with full facilities has now been arranged to ensure the smooth and comfortable movement of the BSF personnel.

Videos spark outrage, allegations fly

The incident drew widespread attention after videos of the train's poor condition, showing broken seats, dirt surfaced online. The clips, reportedly recorded by BSF jawans during inspection, quickly went viral.

Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed took to X, criticising the government, "This is what happens when the government's entire focus is on PR for a few flashy trains, while the masses are forced to travel like animals...Shame on @narendramodi and @AshwiniVaishnaw for providing a filthy train - full of dirt, cockroaches, and broken seats - for our BSF soldiers heading for Amarnath Yatra duty."

Railways' initial denial and clarification

Before the Railway Ministry issued corrective action, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) Zone, under whose jurisdiction the train originated, had dismissed the allegations. In a post on X, NFR claimed that the coach shown in the video was “unexamined” and was not intended for the BSF’s travel.

"Coaches are provided for travel only after necessary maintenance, repairs and cleaning. This video is of an unexamined coach which was being sent for repair and was not meant for travel of BSF forces," the post stated.