TSRTC will be operating 2,083 additional buses while APSRTC will be running 1,800 specials and 300 free buses
Representational Image. (Photo: PTI)
Hyderabad: A fortnight ahead of the mega event of Godavari Pushkarams expected to kickstart in the two states, pilgrims are confused over last minute travel arrangements as most trains running on the route are out of reservations and special trains have not yet been announced.
South Central Railways is yet to decide on the number of special trains to be arranged for the purpose and make a formal announcement. Roughly 4,000 special buses will be deployed for the Godavari Pushkarams, apart from the regular buses running on the routes. TSRTC will be operating 2,083 additional buses while APSRTC will be running 1,800 specials and 300 free buses.
The Pushkaram, being once in 12 years mega event, is expected to attract between 4 to 5 crore pilgrims from across the country between July 14 to July 23. Hence, advance reservations, especially for train journey, is largely sought after.
Gautami Express, for example, has a waitlist running up to 450 during the Pushkaram days. Similarly, Konark Express, Shalimar Express, Janmabhoomi or Tatanagar-Yesvantpur, passing through the route, have waitlists touching 550 to 600 during the Pushkaram dates.
“Since there are few regular trains travelling towards Rajahmundry and I needed more than 15 tickets for a family visit to the Pushkarams, I have given over Rs 500 more for each ticket and booked last month to get confirmed tickets through an agent. I did not want to take a chance because it is next to impossible to get train tickets just before the Pushkarams,” said a pilgrim Kanti Rao.
The railway is awaiting estimation and projected requirements from the finance department following which the number of special trains will be announced. “Once the number of special trains to be introduced is decided upon and an announcement is made, reservations will be opened,” an official said.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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