Devotees Struggle to Secure Train Tickets to Sabarimala
Hyderabad: Securing reserved train tickets to Sabarimala has turned into a challenging ordeal for devotees. The Hyderabad-Trivandrum Sabari Express is the only regular train available, and the few special trains introduced for the season are fully booked until Sankranti. Even waitlisted passengers are left without options. Taking advantage of the situation, travel agents are charging double for tatkal tickets. Devotees have appealed to the South Central Railway (SCR) to run more special trains with proper basic facilities, which are reportedly missing in the current special trains.
Train tickets for the sleeper class usually cost Rs 640, while three-tier AC tickets are priced at Rs 1,125. However, tatkal tickets are being sold at double or triple these rates due to high demand. With flights offering limited connectivity and expensive airfare, devotees are left with no choice but to book costly tatkal tickets or travel on overcrowded trains. Some devotees are opting to travel via Chennai, where train connectivity to Kerala is better. However, this indirect route increases travel time and costs, adding more burden to the pilgrims.
Devotees have also raised concerns about travel agents profiteering from the situation by charging exorbitant prices. They fear that tatkal rates could rise even further during the festive season. Many devotees have also observed that the special trains being operated are not direct and take longer to reach their destinations. They have suggested that adding extra coaches to existing trains, in addition to running more special trains, would help alleviate the issue.
S Bhasker Rao, founder of Sree Sharmashastha Samajam, highlighted the challenges faced by devotees. “Many are forced to travel in overcrowded trains due to the lack of reserved tickets, while others have no option but to purchase expensive tatkal tickets. To make matters worse, the special trains running currently lack basic amenities, including water in the washrooms,” he said.
A senior officer from SCR mentioned that around 178 special trains are currently being operated in the South Central Railway zone. “There is a plan to introduce additional special trains in the coming days. Based on demand, the railway runs special trains to various destinations. Last year, more than 200 special trains were operated for Sabarimala pilgrims,” the officer added.
Devotees are hopeful that the railway authorities will address these concerns soon to ensure smoother and more comfortable travel during the festive season.
