LPG Crisis Sparks Mass Return of Migrant Workers to Bihar
The platforms at Patna Junction are witnessing a steady influx of weary families, laden with bags, bedding, and small bundles of belongings. As long-distance trains from Delhi, Gujarat, and southern cities arrive, men, women, and children disembark slowly, making their way toward the exits. Many clutch steel containers and plastic sacks, while others hold the hands of tired children. Their journey back to Bihar has been arduous, but the decision behind it is painfully straightforward—they can no longer afford to cook in the urban centers where they work.
Trains Bring Back Workers Amid Fuel Shortages
Around 12:30 PM, when the Magadh Express from New Delhi pulls in, the platform becomes crowded with returning laborers. A similar scene unfolds at approximately 2:20 PM with the arrival of the Brahmaputra Mail from Delhi. Trains such as the Azimabad Express from Gujarat and the Ernakulam Express from the south bring more workers back each day, according to a station master at Patna Junction who spoke on the condition of anonymity. This pattern is also visible at Danapur railway station, where migrants arrive from Bengaluru on the Sanghamitra Express and from Gujarat on the Udhna Express.
Personal Stories Highlight the Struggle
Many of those returning hail from districts like Siwan, Gopalganj, Madhubani, Darbhanga, and Saharsa. Several migrant workers are abandoning jobs in metro cities after struggling to secure LPG cylinders needed for daily cooking. Bikash, a coolie with 12 years of experience at the station, noted the change in passenger flow. “The rush is not like during the pandemic, but workers are coming in higher numbers due to the LPG crisis in the last two weeks, especially from Delhi,” he said.
Among those stepping off the Brahmaputra Mail on Tuesday was Manoj, a resident of Punpun who had been working at a construction site in Delhi. He traveled back with his wife and two children. “Vendors are charging Rs 500 per kg for LPG, which only lasts us for two days. With our limited salary, it was not possible to continue at this rate,” he explained.
For Sonu, a security guard at a residential complex in Noida, the situation became unbearable when cooking fuel ran out. “When the cylinder ran out, we ate on the streets for a few days because we were not allowed to cook using coal or wood within the residential area,” he shared. Sonu earns Rs 6,000 a month and also pays for his brother’s education, making city life unsustainable with rising costs.
Nishi Devi, a househelp returning to Bhojpur with her three children, described the struggle to manage food in the city. “My employer provided for us initially, but when they faced a crisis, we were left to fend for ourselves. We cannot afford cylinders at black-market prices along with rent. At home, I can cook using cow dung cakes to feed my children. It has been four days since we had a proper meal.”
Ramu, a factory worker traveling from Chennai to Saharsa, said buying fuel had become too expensive. “I spent two days' wages just to buy enough gas to cook one meal. It is better to be unemployed at home than to starve in a big city.” Sunita, who worked as a cook in Mumbai, added that the situation had worsened rapidly. “The small shops that used to refill our cylinders have closed or tripled their prices. We have no choice but to go back to the village chulha.”
Government Response and Statistics
Meanwhile, a senior official from the labour department revealed that approximately 2,500 migrant workers have returned to Bihar so far, with many affected by the LPG crisis. The returning workers come from various occupations, but most are factory laborers or employees in dhabas and small hotels. The official stated that the department has initiated a survey over the last two to three days to track returning migrants and understand the reasons behind their return, with information being collected from the panchayat level.
He added that special control rooms have been established and helpline numbers issued in view of current geo-political circumstances to assist migrant workers from the state. “Workers are calling from several places to inquire mostly about the LPG situation; we inform them and increase their awareness regarding recent government mandates and also provide any other assistance they require,” he said.
According to estimates from the labour resources and migrant workers welfare department, nearly 48 lakh people from Bihar work outside the state in places such as Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, and Mumbai.
