A large number of migrant workers employed in Panipat, Haryana, are returning to Bihar to celebrate Chhath Puja with their families. Heavy passenger crowds have been reported at Panipat railway station, with overcrowded general coaches leaving many passengers struggling to board trains.
As preparations for Chhath Puja begin in Bihar, the number of migrant workers returning home from Panipat has increased. Employees working in the city's factories and industrial units are reaching the railway station with their families to celebrate the festival in their villages.
A large number of passengers travelling to Bihar have been gathering at Panipat railway junction. From morning until evening, people carrying their belongings can be seen arriving at the station. Most of them are migrant workers employed in Panipat's factories and other industrial establishments.
With Chhath Puja approaching, passengers are trying to reach their homes as early as possible. Crowds begin gathering on the platforms even before trains arrive. As soon as a train stops, passengers move towards the coaches to board.
The high number of passengers has created chaotic conditions at the station. Several people are unable to find space on trains and have to wait for another service.
The highest passenger density has been reported in the general coaches of trains travelling to Bihar. Several coaches are already packed when they reach Panipat, making it difficult for passengers waiting at the station to board.
Some passengers remain near the coach doors with their luggage, while others wait in the hope of finding even a small amount of space inside. The overcrowding is so severe that areas around the toilets are also filled with passengers.
Families travelling with young children and elderly members are facing additional difficulties. Passengers are struggling to manage their belongings and ensure that all family members can board the same train.
The difficulties increase when passengers find that train coach doors are already closed because the compartments are full. In several instances, people are left standing on the platform without an opportunity to board.
With the number of passengers inside the coaches already high, creating space for additional travellers becomes difficult. As a result, some passengers are unable to board even while the train is stopped at the station.
The situation is particularly difficult for families travelling together. Moving through crowded compartments while managing children and luggage has become challenging, forcing several passengers to wait longer for their journeys.
Panipat is a major industrial city where a large number of migrant workers from Bihar are employed in the textile industry and various other factories.
These workers, who live away from their homes for employment, want to return to their villages to celebrate Chhath Puja. Many remain occupied with work throughout the year and get an opportunity to spend time with their families during festivals.
This is one of the reasons passenger numbers on trains travelling to Bihar increase sharply ahead of Chhath Puja.
For many migrant workers, the journey home is not easy. Even after reaching the railway station, uncertainty over finding space on a train remains. Despite these difficulties, passengers are continuing their efforts to reach their villages.
For people in Bihar, Chhath Puja is an important occasion connected with family and traditions. The four-day festival involves the worship of the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. Family members come together to make preparations for the rituals.
Migrant workers returning from Panipat are undertaking the journey in the hope of reaching their villages in time for the celebrations. Their families are waiting for them at home. Despite long journeys and overcrowded trains, they are continuing to travel back to Bihar.
A large number of migrant workers return to Bihar every year for Chhath Puja. The same trend is visible at Panipat railway station this year.
With passenger numbers increasing, travelling safely has also become a challenge. Standing near coach doors during journeys, particularly in overcrowded general compartments, can be risky.
Passengers travelling with children and elderly family members also need to take precautions to avoid crowded areas and keep their belongings secure. Travellers are advised to avoid pushing and jostling while boarding trains.
Passengers travelling to Bihar should check train information and seat availability through official railway channels before beginning their journeys. Train schedules and other necessary information can be accessed through the official Indian Railways website or the National Train Enquiry System (NTES).
