PASSENGERS SUFFERS DESPITE THE RAILWAYS EARNS LAKHS

PASSENGERS SUFFERS DESPITE THE RAILWAYS EARNS LAKHS

27-AUG-ENG 9

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-------------------------Despite consistently generating significant revenue for the Danapur Railway Division of East Central Railway, passenger amenities at Koilwar railway station remain in a deplorable state. A torrential downpour on Wednesday afternoon exposed the station's dilapidated infrastructure. Due to the lack of adequate roofing on the platform, passengers arriving to catch their trains were forced to walk to the coaches under the open sky, getting drenched in the heavy rain. Women, children, the elderly, and passengers carrying luggage faced the greatest hardship due to the absence of sufficient shelter.

As the train arrived at the platform during the Wednesday afternoon downpour, a scramble ensued among passengers to board it. People who had been trying to shield themselves from the rain under the platform's damaged and inadequate roofing had to step out into the open to reach the train. Many tried to protect themselves with umbrellas and clothing but ended up completely soaked due to the intensity of the rain. Crowds also gathered at the train doors; amidst the slippery conditions and the crush of people, there was a constant risk of accidents.

A large number of passengers travel to various destinations from Koilwar railway station every day. The Railways regularly earns revenue from this station through unreserved ticket sales and other channels. Despite this, there is not even adequate roofing to protect passengers from rain and sun. Passengers question why passenger amenities are not being expanded in proportion to the station's contribution to railway revenue.

It is worth noting that ticket sales at Koilwar railway station generate an estimated monthly revenue of four lakh rupees. In the first half of 2026, the station generated approximately 25 lakh rupees in revenue. Yet, the Railways has consistently neglected passenger amenities at Koilwar station.

Women, small children, and elderly passengers faced the most difficulty during the rain. Passengers carrying luggage had to wade through water to reach their trains. The situation was exacerbated by the lack of shelter on the platform to protect against the rain. Commuters emphasize the need for adequate roofing, improved drainage, and safe access from the platform to the trains during the monsoon season.

The importance of Koilwar station is steadily growing. A large number of people from surrounding rural and urban areas rely on the rail service daily, and there is significant passenger traffic to and from places like Ara and Patna. Despite this, the failure to expand passenger amenities as expected raises questions about the Railways' operational approach.

It is worth noting that a diverse range of people use this station: patients visiting BIMHAS (Bihar's only mental health hospital), Central Force personnel stationed at the Rapid Action Force headquarters in Koilwar, workers from the Sikandarpur industrial area (near Gidha and Bihta), and teachers, students, and non-teaching staff from various educational institutions in the Sikandarpur industrial zone. Additionally, thousands of passengers from the nearby blocks of Barhara and Sandesh, as well as from the Saran and Patna districts, travel via Koilwar station.

Local passengers have urged senior railway officials to construct adequate shelters on all platforms, resolve waterlogging issues, improve drainage systems, and provide necessary facilities for safe passenger movement. Commuters argue that the Railways must put an end to the situation where passengers are forced to get drenched in the rain while trying to board trains. Merely providing train halts is not enough; passengers deserve basic amenities to ensure a dignified and safe travel experience.