BHUBANESWAR: The year-end rush, especially in Puri, has led to passengers facing a harrowing time. Most, buying tickets at the last minute, have failed to get confirmed berths. Travelling in unreserved compartments has also posed a problem because of the crowd.
"I booked a ticket to Bengaluru on the
Prashanti Express for January 25, but I am on the waiting list. I don't know whether my seat will be confirmed," said Binapani Swain, a passenger.
With most people heading out of the state during the winter, and a rush of tourists making their way to Puri and Bhubaneswar, getting a confirmed ticket has become a Herculean task. Passengers are not getting a sleeper ticket to Bengaluru on the Prashanti Express or the Howrah-Yesvantpur Express unless they have planned their journey at least a month in advance. Those booking tickets on trains to Mumbai are facing the same problem. Sources in the
East Coast Railway said trains originating from Howrah and running towards the south were witnessing the heaviest rush. People from the state mostly visit southern cities such as Bengaluru, and those in the western part of the country such as Surat and Mumbai in search of work or to spend their holidays.
Official sources said the period between December 20 and January 5 would continue to be difficult for travellers hoping for a train ticket. If a passenger from Bhubaneswar wants to go to Kolkata, he cannot get a confirmed ticket on either the
Coromandel Express or the
East Coast Express till January 9. The situation is worse for those travelling with family or with elderly persons.
"I can travel in the general compartment if my ticket is not confirmed, but my wife and children can't," said
Girish Lal from Bihar
Representative Image
