Kumbh Mela Chaos Leads to Train Vandalism in Bihar

Kumbh Mela, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, has severely impacted Bihar’s already overstretched railway system. The influx of millions of devotees has resulted in widespread disruptions, with overcrowded stations, massive train delays, and acts of vandalism adding to the turmoil.

Unprecedented Surge in Pilgrims Overwhelms Railways

What started as an anticipated surge of pilgrims has escalated into a full-blown crisis. Since January 13, devotees have been flocking to Prayagraj for a holy dip in the Sangam, pushing the railway network to its limits. The result has been severe delays, dangerously packed platforms, and chaotic scenes at major railway stations across Bihar.

A Railway Board official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the overwhelming strain on the railway system. “We have seen an extraordinary rush at Kumbh Mela this year. Our trains are under immense pressure due to the sheer number of pilgrims attempting to travel. We are doing our best to accommodate everyone, but the volume has been simply overwhelming.”

Clashes and Vandalism at Stations

As train services struggle to keep up, tensions between passengers have flared. Reserved passengers, trying to protect their space, have locked doors against the encroaching crowds, triggering violent clashes. This has led to incidents of vandalism, particularly at Madhubani and Samastipur stations, where enraged Kumbh Mela devotees damaged six air-conditioned coaches of the Jayanagar-New Delhi Swatantrata Senani Express. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has since arrested four individuals and lodged two FIRs, according to Samastipur RPF Commandant S J S Jani.

The unrest has not been limited to these stations. Similar cases of property damage were reported at Muzaffarpur and Ara, prompting railway authorities to register cases under RPF Section 153. “We are keeping a close watch, but managing such large crowds is proving to be a significant challenge,” stated Danapur RPF Senior Commandant Prakash Kumar Panda.

Sonepur Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Vivek Bhushan Sood acknowledged the growing tensions, particularly in reserved compartments. “Fortunately, Sonepur division has so far been spared acts of vandalism, but our railway security personnel remain on high alert,” he said.

Scale of the Crisis: Then and Now

The numbers highlight the magnitude of the crisis. In 1954, the first post-independence Kumbh Mela saw 50 lakh devotees and just 36 special trains. In stark contrast, the 2025 Kumbh Mela has already required the deployment of 13,000 special trains, with an estimated 400 million pilgrims expected to travel between January 13 and February 26.

Despite these measures, the railway system is struggling to cope. Pilgrims are enduring long waits, crowded platforms, and inadequate facilities at key stations like Prayagraj and Patna. “The situation is unbearable. We are waiting for hours in long queues, there are hardly any sanitation facilities, and there is no proper crowd management,” complained Satyadeo Prasad, a frustrated passenger from Patna.

Security Concerns and the Risk of Crime

Experts believe such chaotic situations create opportunities for miscreants. Amitesh Mukhopadhyay, a professor of sociology at Jadavpur University, noted that acts of vandalism are more common in eastern India, where railway traffic is among the highest in the country. He also pointed out that high-security trains like Vande Bharat and Rajdhani Express remain relatively safe, while other trains with fewer security personnel are more vulnerable.

“Unauthorised travel and irregular boarding practices make these trains easy targets. Criminals exploit the disorder to loot passengers, especially during festivals when people carry valuable items,” Mukhopadhyay said.

The Road Ahead

As the festival enters its peak phase, railway authorities are scrambling to maintain order. With tempers flaring, passengers growing increasingly desperate, and officials struggling to manage the situation, the question remains: How long can the railways sustain this pressure before an even greater catastrophe unfolds?

The Indian Railways, a lifeline for millions, is facing one of its toughest challenges yet. While additional trains and security measures are being deployed, the sheer volume of devotees presents an unprecedented test of the system’s resilience and crisis management capabilities. Without swift intervention, the chaos could escalate, further jeopardizing the safety and well-being of passengers and railway personnel alike.