Bengaluru: The five phase closely contested Bihar election has created enthusiasm among the lakhs of Bihar origin people working in the city. Most of them are returning to their native villages to cast their votes leading to heavy rush on the Bihar bound trains. As a result, trains are running jam packed.
According to an estimate, more than 1.5 lakh Bihari origin voters live in Bengaluru city. The Bihar Foundation also has an active chapter in the Bengaluru city. As a run up to the election, the BJP city unit has already held several programmes in the city to connect with the voters residing in the city.
According to the data available on the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC), till the first week of November, all the Bihar bound trains are completely booked. Even under the Tatkal quota, the waiting list is big. Presently Indian Railways is operating 10 trains between Bengaluru city and Howrah and three trains between Bengaluru and Patna. Those who could not reserve tickets from the city are either booking tickets from Hyderabad or Chennai to ensure that they will reach their native places well in advance to exercise their vote.
Speaking to this newspaper, an officer from South Western Railways (SWR) informed that generally these Bihar bound trains run with full capacity. "It is true that this time we are witnessing extra crowd due to the ongoing elections. If the demand increases, then we will add extra coaches based on the demand," he explained.Demand for 3 tier AC: Interestingly even the demand for the 3 tier AC coaches is also high which is reflected through waiting list. "Train journey to reach Bihar takes a minimum of two days. So many are opting for three tier AC," he said.
Five phase Biharelection polling dates: Oct. 12, 16, 28 Nov. 1 and 5
First phase date of polling Oct. 12
Ticket waiting list (Tatkal)
Waiting list under Tatkal: 58
Train: Sanghamitra Express
Ticket waiting list (General)
Duronto Express (Oct. 13): 162
Duronto Express (Oct. 25): 98
Duronto Express (Oct. 27): 84
Duronto Express (Nov. 2): 109
Duronto Express (Nov. 3): 112
