Reports from the Indian Railways reveal that key train routes catering to these regions, including the Nanded-Panvel, Howrah-Duronto Express, Nagpur Humsafar Express, Maharashtra Express, Garib Rath, and Azad Hind Express, have reached full capacity. This surge is largely driven by individuals working or studying in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, who are eager to return to their hometowns for the festive celebrations.
With train tickets to popular routes sold out well in advance, travelers are now turning to alternatives such as buses and private vehicles. The booking trend has been particularly strong, with some passengers reserving train tickets two months ahead of time. Destinations outside the state, like Goa, have also seen heavy bookings, with the Purna Express from Pune now fully booked.
Private Buses See Price Hikes Amid Demand Surge
In response to the overwhelming demand, private bus operators have significantly increased ticket prices, making travel even more expensive for those unable to secure train seats. Popular routes to destinations such as Nashik, Solapur, Pandharpur, Dhule, and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar have seen a sharp rise in bus fares. Some passengers report that ticket prices have doubled compared to non-peak times. Industry experts predict that as Diwali nears, this trend will continue, further inflating bus travel costs.
The increased cost of bus tickets has left many passengers searching for alternative travel arrangements. “Ticket prices have skyrocketed,” a frequent traveler shared. “It’s becoming impossible to find affordable options during the festive rush.” The pressure on available transport options is expected to intensify as the festive season progresses.
MSRTC and Self-Driven Journeys as Alternatives
For those unable to secure train or bus tickets, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) could be a viable option. However, there are concerns about the lack of planning and preparation by the MSRTC for the festive rush. Despite Dussehra being just 10 days away, no additional buses or routes have been announced to accommodate the increased demand. This lack of foresight has left many travelers scrambling for last-minute alternatives.
As a result, some commuters have resorted to using private vehicles, opting for self-driven journeys to their destinations. This has led to increased road congestion, particularly along key highways connecting major cities. Families traveling by car are contributing to the rising traffic volumes, and experts warn that road conditions could worsen as more people hit the roads closer to the festive dates.
Rising Airfares Add to Travel Challenges
The scramble for tickets isn’t limited to trains and buses—air travel is also witnessing a spike in demand. Airlines are reporting increased bookings, and flight ticket prices are expected to rise as the holiday season draws nearer. Travelers looking for last-minute flights to destinations within Maharashtra and beyond should prepare for higher costs, further limiting affordable travel options.
Festive Travel Rush Shows No Signs of Slowing
With train tickets sold out, bus fares rising, and air travel becoming increasingly expensive, travelers are facing a tough choice in how to reach their destinations for the upcoming Dussehra and Diwali holidays. As commuters explore every available option, the pressure on the transport sector continues to mount. The festive rush shows no signs of slowing down, and the situation is expected to become more challenging as the holiday season reaches its peak.
