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Summary:

During the festive season, a political spat has erupted in India over the number of special trains run by the Railway Ministry. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw claims significant improvements in rail travel, citing increased special trains and decreased accidents compared to previous administrations. The Congress party, led by Rahul Gandhi, accuses the government of deceiving the people of Bihar by failing to deliver on promises of 12,000 special trains, leading to overcrowding and unsafe travel conditions. The Ministry of Railways counters by stating it has scheduled over 12,000 special train trips. The controversy occurs amidst upcoming Assembly elections in Bihar.

News Article:

Festive Travel Turns Political as Congress Accuses Government of Rail Deception in Bihar

New Delhi, October 25, 2025 – The festive season has been marred by political accusations as the Congress party alleges the Modi government has failed to deliver on promises of adequate rail services for travelers in Bihar. The allegations come as Bihar prepares for Assembly elections in November.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, speaking to reporters today, stated that nearly 15 million passengers have already travelled during the festive season, with expectations of exceeding 25 million. He highlighted the increased number of special trains, surpassing 13,000 compared to the 178 during Lalu Prasad Yadav’s tenure. Vaishnaw also touted improvements in railway safety, noting a significant reduction in accidents.

However, the Congress party vehemently disputes these claims. Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition, accused the government of deceiving the people of Bihar by not fulfilling its promise to run 12,000 special trains. He described the current travel conditions as “inhuman,” with trains packed beyond capacity, forcing passengers to undertake dangerous journeys.

“Where are the 12,000 special trains?” Gandhi questioned in a post on X. “Safe and respectable travel is a right, not a favor.” He further asserted that the situation highlights the lack of employment opportunities within Bihar, forcing people to seek work elsewhere.

Congress MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh echoed Gandhi’s sentiments, accusing Prime Minister Modi of “lying to the people” before the elections. Party spokesperson Abhay Dubey accused the ruling NDA of “playing with the faith” of the people.

In response, the Ministry of Railways maintains that it has scheduled 12,011 special train trips between October 1 and November 30. Officials stated that all available coaches were mobilized to accommodate the increased demand.

The controversy has erupted as Bihar prepares for Assembly elections on November 6 and 11.

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