Three tourists from Assam, travelling by a special religious tourism non-AC train Aastha, died in Uttar Pradesh following severe heat wave. A section of fellow tourists informed the media that the deaths occurred due to lack of facilities, particularly water.
The Aastha train started from Guwahati on May 9, carrying 547 tourists and travelled across places in north India.
Operated by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), the tour was charged at Rs 8,100 per passenger for their food, travel and two nights’ accommodation.
Talking to the media, some passengers complained that they were going through a harrowing time due to lack of water. “We are facing severe water crisis. Many of us are suffering from dehydration. Also, the toilets are stinky and cannot be used,” some passengers complained. Local news channels showed videos sent by the passengers in deplorable conditions.
