Risky journey

Zabed Wali, On e-mail

Photo: FAHAD KAIZER / DRIKNEWS

Hordes of people riding on the roof of trains is a common sight during the religious festivals. When the Eid approaches, people become desperate to reach their destinations. From morning till night, people throng the railway stations. This year also, a few people got killed and many others were injured as they fell from the rooftops of the trains. The trains carry passengers beyond their capacity. The process of buying tickets is also full of hassle, as the passengers have to stand in long queues for hours. The people who travel by buses also suffer a lot, as the vehicles remain stranded for hours. The deplorable condition of the roads--full of potholes and rough patches--also add to the misery of the passengers. Even though the journey is painful, the common people go through the ordeal to be with their near and dear ones. They want to be where they have come from. This sense of belonging keeps their spirit high.