Train in Kashmir goes over crowded; passengers disappointed

Nowgam, Srinagar, Oct 12 (UNI) Hundreds of passengers, including women and children, excited to enjoy a ride on the Kashmir valley's first ever train flagged off by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh yesterday, were disappointed as they failed to board it due to overcrowding.

As the train approached station here at 1450 hrs, hundreds of passengers waiting for hours, could not believe their eyes and ran towards the tracks. However, the railway authorities advised them to keep a safe distance from the train.

As the train halted, most of the passengers could not board it as it was overcrowded from the originating station itself.

One of the passengers Abdul Rashid said he purchased ticket and waited for two hours for the train but could not enter it because of the heavy rush.

Disappointed, the passengers later approached the railway authorities who expressed helplessness to do anything.

''What can we do as it was full from the starting point'', they told the passengers who could not board the train.

Reports of similar incidents were received from other stations also.

The officials said the morning train was not much crowded because of cold.

People also complained that the first train, which leaves Rajwansher at 0710 hrs, was too early in the day, especially during winters. They said most of the people from south Kashmir come to Srinagar for their work in the morning hours and leaves for their homes in the evening. Keeping this in mind, they said timing of the train should be such that passengers reach Srinagar before 1000 hrs and could catch a train back after 1700 hrs.

UNI BAS ASM SK NS1736