Devotees struggle to come home as train tickets go out of reach
Times of India | 31 January 2025
Kolkata: Booking tickets from Prayagraj to Kolkata to bring back devotees from the Maha Kumbh Mela has been next to impossible.
With Rajdhani-Sealdah trains cancelled on two consecutive days, those like K K Chatterjee and Abani Roy tried to buy fresh tickets, but in vain.
"All tickets until Feb 26 — when the mela ends — are on the waiting list, with little or no chances of confirmation," said Atreyi Das, who needs to return immediately to attend a family emergency.
Regular trains are running to capacity despite Eastern Railway announcing several special trains to and from Prayagraj. "Regular train services to Kolkata are overloaded, with waiting lists in sleeper and AC classes showing ‘regret' status. How does one return to Kolkata?" asked Bikram Mondal, a senior citizen.
Consequently, many are resorting to more expensive options. Some passengers are booking through the premium tatkal services while others are buying tickets for longer or detoured routes.
Arati Das (name changed on request) paid Rs 3,659 for a third AC ticket from Delhi to Sealdah on the Duronto Express. Sources said the premium tatkal fare saw a staggering 200% jump. "At least I am not paying Rs 25,000 for a one-way flight," the 55-year-old Ultadanga resident said over the phone.
Another devotee said, "I couldn't get train tickets from Prayagraj or Delhi as everything was on the waiting list. But when I booked tickets from Delhi to Patna, they were available. Maybe I will go up to Patna and take another train to Howrah."