A video from Lucknow’s Charbagh railway station has gone viral, showing how tough train travel has become for many Indians. The clip shows passengers packed inside the Avadh Assam Express with no space to stand, move, or even breathe freely. The scene has shocked social media and reopened the debate about railway safety, infrastructure, and passenger dignity.
Chaos Inside the Train
The viral footage shows passengers squeezed together, shoulder to shoulder, in an unreserved coach. One man, sitting near the window, said he had been stuck there for over 24 hours. He could not drink water, move, or use the washroom.
When told that authorities claim passengers now travel “comfortably,” he replied with bitter sarcasm: “This is comfort only.”
Onboard Awadh Assam Express, a passanger tells @ashharasrar at Lucknow’s Charbagh that he has been sitting in this overcrowded coach for 24 hours now. Hasn’t been to the washroom since. “I fear drinking water.” pic.twitter.com/7BF5z19uZX
— Piyush Rai (@Benarasiyaa) October 24, 2025
The video was shared by a digital news reporter and quickly crossed 30,000 views on X (formerly Twitter). Many users expressed anger and disbelief over the poor travel conditions.
Anger on Social Media
Social media users are calling out the government’s claims of “improved travel comfort.” One user wrote, “12,000 ‘special’ trains, zero dignity for passengers. People are dehydrating out of fear—welcome aboard Amrit Kaal Express.”
Another comment called the situation “seat arrest,” referring to the man’s inability to move for an entire day. Several users said they felt “claustrophobic” just watching the clip.
What is the Avadh Assam Express?
The Avadh Assam Express (15909/15910) runs between Dibrugarh in Assam and Lalgarh Junction in Rajasthan. It is one of India’s longest and most crowded routes, covering over 3,000 kilometers. The train, managed by the Northeast Frontier Railway Zone, is known for delays and overcrowded unreserved coaches that often carry double their capacity.
Online Debate Over Migration and Infrastructure
The viral video has also led to a deeper discussion about why such overcrowding happens. Many users said migration for work is a major reason.
“Thousands travel thousands of kilometres from home for work because they can’t find jobs in their home states,” one post read. “How can anyone sit for 24 hours without water or using a washroom? No words.”
Others pointed out that adding new trains is not enough. “Adding more trains won’t fix this,” one user wrote. “The government must ensure balanced industrial growth so people aren’t forced to migrate for survival.”
The Old Problem That Never Went Away
Many commenters said that nothing has changed for poor passengers in decades. “This is how Indian Railways has always been for the poor,” one user wrote. “Those without reserved seats have struggled forever to travel with dignity.”
Some suggested learning from other countries like China, which manages large travel surges efficiently. “Mass migration is a reality,” a user commented. “India could learn from how China manages the world’s largest annual travel surge during its Lunar New Year.”
