New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday criticised the central government over inadequate train arrangements during the festive season, highlighting the severe hardships faced by migrant workers travelling to Bihar for the Chhath festival.

Drawing attention to the overcrowding in trains—some reportedly operating at up to 200 per cent capacity—Gandhi questioned the NDA government’s claim of running 12,000 special trains to manage the festive rush.

In a post on X, the Congress MP wrote:

“It’s the month of festivals – Diwali, Bhai Dooj, Chhath. In Bihar, these festivals mean more than just faith; they are a longing to return home—the fragrance of the soil, the love of family, the warmth of the village. But this longing has now become a struggle. Trains to Bihar are packed to the brim, getting tickets is impossible, and the journey has become inhumane. Many trains carry up to 200% of their capacity – people are hanging from doors and even rooftops.”

Targeting the NDA government, he said these travellers were not “helpless passengers” but “living proof” of the government’s failed policies and misplaced priorities.

“The claims of the double-engine government have proven hollow. Where are the 12,000 special trains? Why do conditions get worse every year? Why are the people of Bihar forced to return home in such humiliating conditions every year? If there were employment and a dignified life in the state, they wouldn’t have to wander thousands of kilometres away. These are not just helpless travellers; they are living proof of the NDA’s deceptive policies and intentions. A safe and dignified journey is a right, not a favour,” Gandhi added.

Earlier in the day, former Bihar Chief Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav also hit out at the Centre over poor train arrangements for the Chhath festival, criticising what he described as misleading claims by the NDA.

In a post on X, Yadav wrote:

“The uncrowned king of lies and the leader of empty promises had boasted that out of the country’s total 13,198 trains, 12,000 trains would be operated for Bihar on the occasion of Chhath festival. This too turned out to be a blatant lie.”

However, according to an official release from the Indian Railways, a comprehensive plan is in place to manage the festive travel rush. Over a 61-day period from 1 October to 30 November, more than 12,000 special train services are being operated across the country.

So far, a total of 11,865 trips (916 trains) have been notified, including 9,338 reserved and 2,203 unreserved trips. The Railways said this represented a significant increase from last year’s 7,724 Puja and Diwali special trains, reflecting its “continued commitment to ensuring smooth and convenient travel during the festive season.”