Pilgrims protest at NJP as 'Bol Baam' special train turns into 'nightmare'

A wave of anger swept through New Jalpaiguri Junction this afternoon as frustrated passengers aboard the 05925 Deoghar Junction–Dibrugarh Town ‘Bol Baam’ Special train staged a protest against the Indian Railways, citing appalling onboard conditions and complete apathy from officials.

The train, operated under the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) Zone, departed from Deoghar Junction at 10:17 PM on Monday, carrying devotees heading to Dibrugarh for the ongoing Bol Baam pilgrimage. But what was intended to be a spiritual journey has turned into a nightmare for many. Passengers in the B-1 and B-2 AC three-tier coaches complained of non-functional air conditioning, broken ceiling fans, inadequate lighting, and unhygienic toilets with no water—making the already delayed 35-hour journey unbearable.

After over 15 hours of discomfort and repeated but unanswered complaints, tempers flared at New Jalpaiguri station. Pilgrims, many of whom were elderly or travelling with children, descended onto the platform and launched a protest demanding urgent action from the Katihar Railway Division, which manages train operations in the area. However, no railway officials appeared on site to address the mounting grievances.

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"The AC isn’t working, the toilets are filthy, and there’s not even water to wash our hands," a furious passenger told our correspondent over a phone call. "We’ve been shouting for help since we left Deoghar, but no one has shown up. This is how they treat pilgrims?"

Another traveller added, “This isn’t just a regular train—this is a special pilgrimage service. The least they could do is ensure basic amenities. What we’re enduring is inhumane.”

With the train still hours away from its final destination in Assam and no official response forthcoming from either the NFR headquarters in Guwahati or the Katihar division, tensions remain high. The protest has spotlighted a growing concern over the Indian Railways’ handling of special trains, especially those meant for religious or cultural occasions.

As the 05925 ‘Bol Baam’ Special continues its journey through the Northeast, questions linger over accountability, planning, and the dignity of passengers who place their faith—and safety—in public transport.