Train Tickets from Mumbai-Pune to Nagpur Sold Out Ahead of Diwali
With Diwali approaching, travel options from Mumbai and Pune to Nagpur are dwindling as train tickets are fully booked and airfares soar.
Train tickets for key dates from Mumbai and Pune to Nagpur are sold out.
Airfares have surged to nearly ₹19,000, making flights costly for families.
Central Railway is proposing special trains to accommodate the festive rush.
As Diwali approaches, travelers from Mumbai and Pune to Nagpur are facing significant challenges in securing transportation. Major trains are fully booked for the peak travel days from November 4 to 7, leading to a scramble for alternatives. Reports indicate that airfares have skyrocketed, with some routes reaching nearly ₹19,000, making travel increasingly expensive for students and working professionals.
The annual surge in travel demand before Diwali typically sees thousands of individuals returning home to celebrate with family. This year, however, the rush has resulted in many popular trains, including the Mumbai–Nagpur Duronto Express, reaching full occupancy. Booking statuses have escalated to the 'REGRET' stage for certain classes, indicating that no further reservations can be accepted for those dates.
Passengers without prior bookings are struggling to find confirmed seats, particularly those with fixed holiday schedules. On Diwali day itself, some trains still show waiting-list availability, but these lists have exceeded 100 in some cases, leaving families anxious about whether they will be able to travel together. The situation is compounded for travelers from Pune, where availability in AC and sleeper classes is also limited.
The Vande Bharat Express, a popular choice for festive travel, is experiencing high demand, with limited seats available around Diwali. The fare for the Executive Chair Car is approximately ₹3,740, but availability is scarce on high-demand dates. As regular train services fill quickly, many passengers are exploring alternative travel dates and modes of transport.
In response to the anticipated travel surge, the Nagpur Division of Central Railway has proposed additional special train services to accommodate the festive rush. This proposal includes two to three trips connecting Nagpur with Mumbai, Pune, and Samastipur in Bihar. While the proposal has been forwarded to Indian Railways, travelers are advised to await official confirmation regarding schedules and booking dates. Meanwhile, with airfares also rising sharply, travelers are encouraged to check the IRCTC website for updates and consider their travel options carefully as they plan their journeys home for the festival.
