New Delhi, Mar 17 (UNI) The Opposition in the Lok Sabha on Monday demanded that the Railways take effective measures to ease overcrowding in trains and enhance safety of passengers.



During the discussion on the Railway Ministry's demands for grants, Congress member Varsha Gaikwad stated that passengers are compelled to travel in overcrowded conditions, comparing it to traveling like animals. She also highlighted the lack of adequate security measures on trains and at stations.



Referring to the recent stampede at New Delhi Railway Station, she alleged that rather than assisting the victims, officials attempted to cover up the incident and protect the government.



Gaikwad also urged the government to address the shortage of trains, pointing out that a country with a population of 140 crore has only 13,000 trains. She emphasized the inadequate security measures on trains and at stations, noting that criminal incidents frequently occur on trains and platforms, yet no one is willing to take responsibility.



Trinamool Congress's Satabdi Roy demanded the government to prioritize passenger safety, emphasizing that no amount of compensation can ever replace the lives lost in accidents.



Expressing serious concern over the overcrowding of passengers in trains, she said that 20 people sit in the place meant for six people.



Roy demanded the Railway Minister to focus on local trains, stressing that prioritizing Vande Bharat and Bullet trains alone does not address the challenges faced by ordinary passengers.



BJP's Janardan Sigriwal backed the proposal, stating that the Modi government has swiftly completed long-pending railway projects. He expressed satisfaction with the progress of railways in Bihar, highlighting that over the past decade, 1,832 km of railway tracks have been laid and 3,020 km have been electrified in the state.



Samajwadi Party's Lalji Verma stated that passenger facilities at railway stations and on trains have not improved as expected. He pointed out the poor condition of stations and frequent train delays. He also urged the introduction of a new train from Ayodhya to Mumbai and requested a stoppage for the Vande Bharat Express at Ambedkar Nagar Junction.



DMK's MS Tharanivendhan argued that Tamil Nadu receives less than what it contributes to the nation's development. He pointed out that while the state sends one rupee to the Centre in taxes, it gets only 29 paise in return. He also claimed that Tamil Nadu has been overlooked when it comes to railway development.

UNI RBE CS