Migrant workers crowd Chennai Central station ahead of Diwali
Thousands of passengers are travelling to northern states, causing heavy rushes in unreserved train compartments, according to The Times of India.
Thousands of migrant workers have started leaving Chennai for northern states like West Bengal, Bihar and Odisha to celebrate Diwali, according to The Times of India. The festive rush has caused significant crowding at the MGR Chennai Central railway station.
Trains including the Howrah Mail and Shalimar Express are experiencing heavy crowds. While an unreserved LHB coach typically holds about 100 passengers, more than 200 people are reportedly entering these compartments during this period.
Passengers are occupying all available spaces, including doorways, steps, luggage areas and floors. Santosh Kumar, who is travelling to Santragachi Junction in West Bengal, said passengers from unreserved sections often enter sleeper coaches after the train passes Nellore.
Kumar alleged that even when the TTR fines these passengers, they refuse to vacate the reserved seats. He stated that the Railways should take action regarding this issue.
Railway officials have placed Chennai Central on high alert and are monitoring the premises. An RPF official said more than 200 RPF personnel are on duty to manage crowd control and ensure no one carries crackers or lighters inside trains.
Additional RPF personnel will be deployed on Friday to manage the expected rush as more workers depart the city.