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A recent viral image showing a passenger sleeping in a train toilet has once again brought to light the severe overcrowding on Indian Railways, particularly during the festive seasons of Diwali, Chhath Puja, and others. This annual rush puts immense pressure on India’s railway system, as millions of people travel to reunite with their families. The overcrowding issue is deeply intertwined with India’s rapidly growing population and the challenges faced by low-income travelers, who depend on affordable transport options like railways. Despite efforts to increase capacity, the railway system continues to struggle, with some passengers resorting to extreme measures, such as sleeping in toilets, due to lack of space.

India’s population, now over 1.4 billion, exacerbates the overcrowding on the railways, especially during peak travel periods. The Indian Railways network, though one of the largest in the world, has limited capacity and struggles to keep up with demand. During festive times, millions of additional passengers put further strain on the system. Special trains are sometimes introduced, and extra coaches added, but these efforts often fall short. Overcrowded compartments, with passengers crammed into every available space, are a common sight. Many low-income travelers, unable to afford last-minute tickets or higher-class accommodations, are forced to endure long, uncomfortable journeys.

For India’s low-income class, Indian Railways is the primary means of transportation across long distances. Migrant workers, daily wage earners, and low-income families who travel home during festivals are often left with no choice but to secure general or sleeper class tickets. However, these compartments quickly fill up, forcing passengers to stand or find space in highly uncomfortable areas, such as train floors or even toilets, as seen in the recent viral image. Unlike middle- and upper-income travelers, who might have alternatives like buses or flights, the low-income class is heavily dependent on the affordable fares offered by railways, despite the poor conditions.

Experts and activists argue that a sustainable solution must involve large-scale investments in infrastructure, coupled with population management strategies. The government has announced several modernization projects to improve capacity, safety, and comfort within Indian Railways, including plans under initiatives like “Mission Raftaar” and high-speed rail corridors. However, the impact of these efforts will take time, and the current infrastructure remains under intense strain. Addressing the root causes of overcrowding — population growth and economic disparity — is crucial. Without structural reforms, the Indian Railways will continue to face challenges, and low-income travelers will be disproportionately affected, enduring indignities and unsafe conditions.