Thane Women’s Local Train Overcrowding Shows Railways’ Troubling Reality

Boarding a local train in India often feels like an unending struggle, akin to the mythological plight of Sisyphus. In Greek mythology, Sisyphus was condemned by the gods to eternally roll a massive stone up a hill, only to have it perpetually roll back down before reaching the summit. The parallel is striking: the arduous task of navigating the chaos of local train travel mirrors Sisyphus's futile exertions.

ठाणे रेलवे स्टेशन के मौजूदा हालात..भगदड़ जैसी स्थिति...हालात बदतर। @News18India @RailMinIndia @Central_Railway @grpmumbai @RPFCR @RPFCRBB @mumbairailusers pic.twitter.com/9nh42IjKJp

— Diwakar Singh (@Diwakar_singh31) May 13, 2024

Recently, a video capturing the chaos of boarding a local train in Thane has circulated widely on the internet, vividly showing the alarming reality faced by commuters. The scene shows women tussling with each other in a desperate bid to board the train, highlighting the dire consequences of the lack of effective management by the railway authorities. Yet, amid the clamour of blame, one must pause to consider: are passengers themselves partially accountable for the disorder witnessed at railway stations?

As per the reports, a female passenger found herself perilously close to the tracks, only to be rescued by the swift action of another woman. Subsequently, a confluence of circumstances—ranging from a swirling dust storm to torrential rains—caused significant delays, resulting in a throng of frustrated commuters and a scene reminiscent of a stampede, adding to one of the  many incidents of mismanagement in the railway department that have come forward.

Incidents of mismanagement on trains

In one example, a passenger complained about the low-quality food served on the train. In fact, one of them discovered a worm in the food brought by the Vande Bharat Express, the so-called luxury train.

Overcrowding may hinder individuals from taking their reserved seats. Furthermore, the crowd is so huge that passengers sit on the floor or in toilet seats, and some even use a piece of cloth to mark their territory. A ticketless woman recently refused to vacate a seat she had violently claimed, despite the crowd's requests to do so. She argued with everyone, even claiming that she was a railway employee and hence entitled to the seat.

Then, in February, a woman was unable to take her reserved seat because it was occupied by a family. Despite her request to vacate the seat, the family refused and urged her to take the upper berth with the other three people in it.

These observations aren't mere conjecture; they stem from documented incidents that have ignited public outrage over the rampant mismanagement plaguing our railway system.

I, too, have experienced firsthand the challenges of boarding an overcrowded train. It was during Diwali, as I embarked on a journey from Delhi to Bihar. Faced with the surge of travelers, I found myself relegated to a sleeper coach instead of the desired AC compartment. Arriving at the station, the palpable throng hinted at the ordeal awaiting me. Reality exceeded anticipation as the train pulled in. A chaotic frenzy ensued as passengers jostled for entry, disregarding the decorum of "ladies first" and resorting to desperate measures like passing luggage through windows. Despite possessing a reserved seat, I found myself unable to board, forced to retreat with the bitter disappointment of missing out on celebrating Diwali with my loved ones.

Such incidents are not isolated; as a regular rail traveler, I've witnessed countless instances of passengers precariously perched at train gates, emblematic of the challenges plaguing our railway journeys.

Questions to be raised on the railway management

One can't help but question why ordinary commuters are subjected to such hardships on a mode of transport meant to serve the public. How has the train, originally designed to offer comfortable long-distance travel, transformed into a battlefield of chaos and frustration? And why does the railway management seem incapable of addressing the dire state of affairs affecting both trains and passengers alike?

Reports of ticket collectors and other train staff accepting bribes and turning a blind eye to misconduct raise concerns about the system's ability to maintain order within trains. Where does the public turn for recourse?

The fault in the public

However, not only the railway management, but also the passengers, are to blame for the dreaded situation at railway stations and aboard trains. Many passengers feel free to travel without a ticket and occupy the seats of others. They bribe the TCs, who let them travel without issue. Some people even lose the fundamental human quality of respecting and not injuring others.  The video above shows women fighting to board the train at Thane station. 

The stampede-like situation may have caused another accident in addition to the one that occurred previously; when people's demands surpass their conduct, basic social decorum is jeopardised.

Is it acceptable to damage others for personal gain, no matter how grave the necessity or situation? If humans learn to respect one another in all situations, the tussle in the crowd will be replaced by rules and respect.

Let us not forget that we all belong to the same society. Everyone has needs and emergencies, but rushing and losing sight of humanity will only worsen the problem. Finally, in order to prevent people from being driven to undermine others, management must grow and improve the efficiency of its services. 

Views expressed are the author's own.