Can limiting sale of general tickets reduce overcrowding on trains? social media debates pros and cons
It is that time of year when millions of Indians travel to their hometowns and villages to celebrate Diwali and Chhath Puja. This has resulted in an unprecedented rush on trains, with even those holding confirmed tickets failing to secure seats for journeys that could take days.
Special trains can't meet festival demand
The Railway Board on Tuesday said it had notified the operation of 7,663 special trains during the festival season from October 1 to November 30, which is 73 per cent more compared to the same period last year.
However, despite the board's claim, social media is abuzz with numerous posts showing overcrowded trains and passengers packed into toilets.
'Limit sale of general tickets'
A post on X by an account called Indian Tech & Infra has ignited a debate over the poor conditions passengers face on trains.
"Opinion: There should be limitations on general ticket sales in Indian Railways," Indian Tech & Infra said in a post on X, along with a photo of a crowded train.
'No ticket, no entry at railway stations'
While another X user agreed, suggesting, "There should be an airport-type entry system to railway stations, no ticket no entry¡ that would improve a lot of things," many others disagreed.
'Increase trains first'
"Instead of limiting general ticket sales, Indian Railways should focus on increasing local train services rather than just promoting the Vande Bharat Express. More local trains would better serve the daily commuters," said one user.
"This is simply a demand-supply issue. We have not invested in our public transport system well in advance to cater to the growing demand. This is why I always say, plan 10 years in advance for public infrastructure. But, our Indian mindset never plans ahead," said another.
Earlier, on Tuesday, Indian Railways reported that more than 1.2 crore (19.43 lakh reserved and over 1.01 crore unreserved non-suburban) passengers were carried on November 4, the highest single-day passenger figure for the current year.
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