Festive Travel Rush: Train Tickets Sold Out, Bus Fares Skyrocket Ahead of Dussehra and Diwali
With the rapidly approaching festive seasons of Dussehra and Diwali, train tickets to various destinations are fully booked, leaving travellers scrambling for alternatives. Reports indicate that nearly all trains heading to popular regions, including Vidarbha, Marathwada, and Khandesh, are sold out.
With the increasing demand, private bus operators have responded by doubling their ticket prices. This trend is likely to continue as Diwali draws nearer, further inflating costs for bus travel. Notably, bus tickets to key destinations such as Nashik, Solapur, Pandharpur, Dhule, and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar have seen significant price hikes, reflecting the increased demand.
Many citizens from across the state who come to Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad for work or education are now eager to return to their native places. Trains such as the Nanded-Panvel, Howrah-Duronto Express, Nagpur Humsafar Express, Maharashtra Express, Garib Rath, and Azad Hind, which serve the Pune-Nagpur route, are fully booked.
In addition, long-distance train reservations for destinations outside the state have been made as early as two months in advance, with trains to Goa and the Purna Express from Pune already at capacity. Currently, reservations for December are being confirmed.
Travelers seeking alternatives may consider the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) buses. However, there are concerns regarding the lack of planning for the festive season, as no additional buses or routes have been announced, even with Dussehra just ten days away. Consequently, many travelers are left with no choice but to rely on private vehicles for their journeys.
As the festive rush intensifies, travelers are advised to explore all available options early to secure their travel plans.