In Pune, passengers opting for train travel, especially during festivals, feel that the addition of general second class coaches leads to overcrowding and makes the journey uncomfortable. Arun Kumar Mishra, a senior citizen traveling from Pune to Darbhanga in Bihar, shared his experience of facing unauthorized passengers in the sleeper class compartment. Mishra mentioned that some passengers locked themselves in the toilet, causing inconvenience to others. Despite reporting this to the TTE, fines were collected instead of taking action, prompting Mishra to contact Rail Madad for assistance. Concerns have been raised by passengers with reserved tickets about the possibility of unauthorized passengers taking their berths, especially with the increase in general second class coaches on special trains during the festive season. Public Relations Officer Ram Paul Barpagga mentioned the plan to have more general coaches in upcoming trains, including the Pune-Malda Town-Pune weekly special train. Authorities are taking measures to handle the anticipated rush and ensure proper ticket checks. Passengers have observed unauthorized passengers entering compartments, posing a common challenge."I was recently traveling on the Sinhagad Express in a reserved compartment and noticed several passengers without tickets. One individual pretended to be a railway employee and took a seat. Rajesh Doshi, a Pune resident and regular train commuter, expressed concern about the lack of proper action being taken on the matter.
Sagar Jadhav, who journeyed on the Ahmedabad-Pune Duronto Express last week, shared a similar experience of having a reserved seat in coach DL1, which was full with people sitting on the floor.
The issue of overcrowding extends beyond the trains to platforms. Pune rail division officials announced plans in April to address this by setting up temporary waiting sheds on the premises. Passengers have complained of inadequate seating, limited water facilities, and insufficient waiting areas at the station.
The situation has led to platforms becoming excessively crowded, posing a potential risk of stampedes."
