Watch: UP Police exam sparks travel chaos, massive crowds at train stations

Railway stations across Uttar Pradesh witnessed unprecedented crowds following the conclusion of the UP Police Constable Exam 2026, with candidates heading towards Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Kanpur, Agra, Jaunpur and other districts.

The surge in passenger movement led to severe congestion on platforms and inside trains, putting railway authorities on alert.

Many aspirants were seen waiting for hours on station premises, while others spread bedsheets and plastic sheets on platforms to rest before boarding trains.

NIGHTS SPENT AT STATIONS

In Gorakhpur, one of the major examination hubs, candidates arriving from different parts of the state spent the night at the railway station ahead of their examinations.

Several queued up at charging points to recharge their phones, while others battled the heat as they waited for trains or examination shifts. More than 1.16 lakh candidates were expected to appear for the three-day recruitment examination being conducted in two shifts.

The Congress slammed the BJP over the arrangements for candidates appearing in the Uttar Pradesh Police Constable Examination, alleging that its claims of running special trains for aspirants had fallen flat on the ground. Sharing visuals of overcrowded railway coaches, the party said young candidates were forced to enter train compartments through windows due to the rush.

"The BJP government's claims are just hot air, because on the ground, everything turns out to be a damp squib," the party tweeted.

'JUST DON'T LET THE PAPER LEAK'

Amid the crowds, many candidates spoke about the sacrifices made by their families and their anxiety over the possibility of another paper leak.

"My father is a farmer and has somehow managed the expenses for my studies and coaching. We only want one thing, that the paper should not leak this time," one candidate said.

Another aspirant said, "My father is a labourer. This exam is our biggest hope. If something goes wrong again, I don't know what comes next."

AUTHORITIES STEP UP ARRANGEMENTS

RPF IG Satya Prakash said railway authorities, police and the civil administration were working together to manage the crowds.

He said special trains had been introduced for the examination period and arrangements had been made for candidates staying near stations.

According to officials, security personnel have also been deployed to ensure the movement of candidates does not affect regular passengers.

OPPOSITION TARGETS BJP GOVERNMENT

The heavy rush at railway stations also triggered a political war of words, with the Congress accusing the Uttar Pradesh government of failing to make adequate arrangements despite claims that special trains had been deployed for candidates appearing in the recruitment examination.

In a post on X, the Congress said the BJP government had promised special train arrangements for candidates but alleged that the ground reality told a different story.

"The BJP government had claimed that special train arrangements have been made for the youth appearing for the UP Police Constable Exam. But look at the reality. Youth are being forced to enter train compartments through windows amid massive crowds," the party said.

The Congress further attacked the government's preparedness, saying, "The BJP government's claims are just hot air, because on the ground, everything turns out to be a damp squib."

The criticism came as railway stations across Uttar Pradesh witnessed massive crowds of candidates travelling to and from examination centres, prompting authorities to deploy additional personnel and run special trains to manage the rush.