Despite the government’s efforts to increase travel options during Diwali and Chhath, reaching home for the holidays remains challenging for many. While special trains are being booked almost instantly, airlines have significantly hiked fares, with prices increasing by 2 to 2.5 times, especially for flights to destinations like Patna, Darbhanga, Ranchi, and Varanasi.
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Key Details:
- Airfare Surge: During the festive period, airfare to certain cities has surged dramatically. For instance, flights to Darbhanga, which usually cost around ₹6,000, are now priced between ₹13,000 and ₹16,000. Similarly, fares to Patna have exceeded ₹15,000.
- Special Trains: The railways are making arrangements to cater to the festive rush by running additional special trains. Railway officials have announced that starting from 27 October, more trains will be deployed, including unreserved trains. Despite this, regular trains have been fully booked for months in advance, with passengers reserving tickets 120 days earlier.
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Airfare Comparison for Popular Routes:
The table below outlines the stark increase in airfares for the days leading up to Diwali and Chhath:
| Date | Darbhanga (₹) | Varanasi (₹) | Ranchi (₹) | Patna (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 October | 15,193 | 7,421 | 10,363 | 15,270 |
| 31 October | 13,602 | 7,421 | 8,578 | 15,270 |
| 1 November | 15,702 | 6,399 | 5,892 | 9,103 |
| 2 November | 14,600 | 6,464 | 7,738 | 11,466 |
| 3 November | 16,296 | 6,793 | 8,577 | 15,270 |
| 4 November | 16,910 | 6,058 | 8,263 | 15,270 |
Railway Arrangements:
- Additional Seats: Northern Railway has already announced the availability of approximately 60 lakh additional seats through the operation of around 3,000 extra trips. Special trains are being introduced to meet the increased demand, but tickets for these trains are being snapped up as soon as bookings open.
- Special Facilities: Railway stations will also implement special arrangements to manage the festive rush, ensuring passengers’ convenience. However, despite the increase in trains and seats, the demand remains extraordinarily high, making travel a challenge for many.
Key Information on Festive Travel Arrangements
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Airfare Increase | Fares to key cities like Patna, Darbhanga, Ranchi, and Varanasi have increased 2-2.5 times during Diwali and Chhath. |
| Popular Destinations | Patna, Darbhanga, Ranchi, Varanasi |
| Special Trains | Northern Railway is adding 3,000 extra trips, offering 60 lakh additional seats. |
| Booking Situation | Tickets for regular trains were booked 120 days in advance. Special train bookings are also being filled almost instantly. |
| Festive Rush | Railway stations and airlines are bracing for a massive surge in passengers during this period. |