Patna: With Diwali and Chhath Puja approaching, travellers heading to Bihar are facing an unprecedented crunch as even waiting tickets are no longer available on long-distance trains. Popular services including the Vikramshila Express, Ang Express, Dadar Express and Garib Rath are fully booked, leaving many families anxious about their travel plans.
Despite the 60-day advance booking system, confirmed seats have become nearly impossible to secure. According to railway officials, tickets are snapped up within two minutes of the IRCTC portal opening at 8am, leaving trains marked “no room” within minutes. This has hit lakhs of migrants and workers hoping to return home for the festive season.
Railways are operating special trains to cope with the surge in demand, but they remain oversubscribed. In response, the Bihar government has announced the launch of interstate bus services to ease travel pressure during Durga Puja, Diwali and Chhath. Buses will run on routes including Delhi to Bihar, offering an alternative to those who fail to secure train seats.
While a direct bus service from Bhagalpur has not yet been introduced, buses from Purnia will provide a connection that residents of the region can also access. Officials hope the additional transport options will ease congestion and ensure that more people can return home in time for the festivals.
