Railways Issue Clarification Over Viral Video Of Dilapidated Train Coaches To BSF

Railways clarified the video depicted an unexamined coach en route to repairs, not for troop transport.

A viral video showed allegedly rundown train coaches assigned to BSF personnel heading to Jammu for Amarnath Yatra duty, sparking criticism.

Source : X

The Railways on Wednesday issued a clarification over a viral video alleging Border Security Force (BSF) personnel being assigned visibly rundown train coaches for their journey to Jammu ahead of the Amarnath Yatra deployment.

The footage claimed to be from Tripura's Udaipur station, triggered a wave of criticism and raised questions about the conditions provided to forces tasked with securing one of India’s most sensitive religious pilgrimages.

The Railways has now issued a clarification saying refuting the allegations. It also said that the video is of an unexamined coach which has been sent for repairs. 

In a post on X, the Northeast Frontier Railway said: "The allegation that BSF was provided such kind of coach for travel is incorrect. Coaches are provided for travel only after necessary maintenance, repairs and cleaning. This video is of an unexamined coach which was being sent for repair and was not meant for travel of BSF forces." 

The incident took place on June 9, when BSF companies stationed in Tripura were scheduled to move to Jammu via a special train requested by Indian Railways. However, what awaited them at the station was far from acceptable — coaches in poor condition, some allegedly earmarked for maintenance.

Reacting to the situation, a BSF spokesperson confirmed that upon raising the issue with authorities, the problematic train was replaced, and a more suitable one was arranged for the troops.

In response to mounting questions, Dilip Kumar, spokesperson for Indian Railways, told ABP News that the train initially provided by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) included coaches that were due for overhaul — a routine process involving deep cleaning, repairs, and safety checks that typically occurs every 11 months. “Some of these coaches were mistakenly attached to the BSF’s special train,” Kumar explained, adding that the issue was promptly addressed after being brought to their attention.