A controversy has erupted after Border Security Force (BSF) jawans, en route to Amarnath Yatra duty, were provided with train coaches in substandard condition. The incident, which occurred as approximately 1,200 BSF troops from 13 companies prepared to travel from Udaipur, Tripura, to Jammu Tawi, sparked outrage and led to the suspension of four railway officials.
The BSF personnel were scheduled to board a special train on June 6, with the train making multiple stops across Tripura, Assam, and West Bengal to collect troops. However, upon inspection of the train on June 9, BSF personnel discovered "poor and unhygienic" conditions. Videos recorded by the jawans revealed broken windows, missing upper berths, dirt-filled interiors, cockroaches, broken seats and non-functional toilets, which quickly went viral on social media, drawing widespread criticism.
The Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, responded swiftly to the situation. Asserting that the dignity of security forces is paramount, Vaishnaw suspended three senior section engineers and a coaching depot officer of Alipurduar Rail Division. He also ordered an inquiry into the matter, emphasizing that such negligence would not be tolerated at any level.
Initially, the Northeast Frontier Railway Zone dismissed the allegations. However, facing mounting pressure from the viral videos and public outcry, senior railway authorities took notice and initiated corrective measures. A replacement train in better condition was arranged for the BSF troops.
The incident has triggered a broader debate regarding the treatment of India's security forces. Critics argue that while resources are allocated to high-profile projects, the basic needs and comfort of personnel serving on the front lines are sometimes overlooked. Some have questioned why lavish arrangements are made for events such as the IPL, while BSF jawans were expected to travel in squalid conditions.
The BSF has clarified that upon discovering the unacceptable state of the coaches, the matter was taken up with railway authorities through official channels. While concerns were raised, the BSF maintains that no ruckus or disorder was created by the jawans and the issue was resolved amicably through communication. Northeast Frontier Railway's Chief Public Relations Officer K K Sharma stated that the coaches seen in the viral videos were not intended for passengers but were being transported for maintenance or periodic overhauling and were mistakenly boarded by some Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel, leading to the misunderstanding. Once the error was identified, the coaches were removed, and the train resumed its journey.
The Amarnath Yatra is set to begin in July under tight security. The troops were part of the additional deployment of central forces authorized by the Union government for the annual Amarnath Yatra scheduled from July 3 to August 9 in Jammu and Kashmir.
