Pune: Commuters at Pune Railway Station faced chaotic conditions marked by severe overcrowding and traffic congestion, sparking significant safety concerns. The platform and porch areas were teeming with passengers, creating a tense environment that many felt was on the brink of a stampede.
The situation was further aggravated by unregulated traffic movement outside the station, where rickshaws and taxis dominated the premises. Vehicles arriving to pick up or drop off passengers found themselves trapped in heavy congestion, resulting in long delays and frustrated drivers.
Strangely, the station’s main entrance was kept closed, and only two smaller side gates were in use for entry and exit. This arrangement caused heavy bottlenecks, with commuters struggling to navigate the narrow passages amidst pushing and crowding. Additionally, passengers noted that there were no bag checks at the scanners, raising alarms about the lack of basic security protocols.
Both regular passengers and new visitors voiced strong dissatisfaction with the apparent mismanagement. Many have urged railway officials and local authorities to take swift action to decongest the area, enhance safety measures, and reinstate access through the main gate to facilitate smoother movement.