New Delhi: With the conclusion of the Chhath festival, Bihar is witnessing an overwhelming rush as people return to their workplaces outside the state. While securing a confirmed train ticket has become an enormous challenge, flight fares remain out of reach for many.
People are spending nights at railway stations, queuing at Tatkal counters in hopes of securing a seat. Yet, many are left disappointed as tickets sell out within minutes, turning hours of effort into frustration.
Obtaining confirmed Tatkal ticket remains a daunting task
The process of booking tickets online is equally challenging. Websites slow down under the surge in demand, and by the time payments are processed, tickets have often moved to waiting lists. While some manage to secure tickets at the counter, most walk away empty-handed. There are separate queues for women, but even they join the lines as early as four or five in the morning, hoping for a confirmed seat to return to workplaces in other states.
Even for those with a confirmed ticket, the journey is arduous. Passengers face overcrowded trains, and despite confirmed reservations, many struggle to board due to the sheer number of people. Scenes from Patna Junction show passengers crammed outside sleeper and general compartments, with some risking their lives by attempting to board moving trains.
Eyewitness reports describe one passenger narrowly avoiding a fall under a train, while others recount challenges even for those with reservations. A woman was injured while attempting to disembark, becoming separated from her family in the chaos.
Despite extensive efforts by railway authorities, including the addition of around 150 special festive trains from Bihar, overcrowded platforms and chaotic scenes persist.
Rising airfares from Patna skyrocket
With the demand for flights rising post-Chhath, airfares from Bihar to cities across India have skyrocketed, in some cases surpassing the cost of international travel. Flights from Patna to Ranchi are currently unavailable. The only alternative involves flying via Delhi, with a one-way economy ticket priced at approximately Rs 34,000.
Flights to Mumbai are priced upwards of Rs 18,000, while fares to Ahmedabad are around Rs 25,000. Those who booked tickets in advance have managed to avoid the recent surge in airfare prices.
