The 700-km journey between Pune and Nagpur has become the toughest festive commute in Maharashtra, and the suffering repeats every year during Diwali. Thousands of Vidarbha residents working or studying in Pune are unable to get confirmed seats for both going to Nagpur and returning to Pune, because there are not enough trains on the Pune-Nagpur route. Despite 70 trains on Pune- Amravati-Nagpur route including 66 Diwali specials, tickets are unavailable. From November 5 to 10, Pune to Nagpur and Nagpur to Pune, both sides are full.

 

Each one is flashing sign of REGRET / NOT AVAILABLE. his is the peak return period after Diwali, but even fresh Diwali specials are showing Waiting List 177 to 250 and REGRET. For the full 10-day window Nov 1 to 10, ‘The Hitavada ‘checked 15 trains and all are REGRET in Sleeper, 3AC, 2AC and Second Sitting: Azad Hind Express (12129/12130) - WL 177-250 on all 10 days Nov 1 to 10; Maharashtra Express (11039/11040) - WL 180-250 on all 10 days; Pune-Nagpur Express (12135/12136) - Nov 1,3,5,8,10 REGRET; Hadapsar-Nagpur SF Special (01202/01210) - Nov 1,3,6,8,10 REGRET; Ajni Vande Bharat (26101/26102) - Nov 1,2,4,5,6,7,8,9 REGRET; Hadapsar-Rewa SF Special (20151) - Nov 5; Pune-Santragachi Humsafar Special (20821) - Nov 2,9; Pune-Hatia (22845) - Nov 1,4,8; Howrah Duronto (12221) - Nov 2,7,9; Nagpur Garib Rath (12113) - Nov 2,4,7,9; Nagpur Humsafar (22141) - Nov 5; Pune-Ajni AC (22123) — Nov 6; Pune-Bilaspur (12850) - Nov 6; Pune-Kazipet (22151) - Nov 6 and Ajni Humsafar (22139) - Nov 7. For this entire corridor, there are only three direct regular trains are running, Azad Hind Express (Daily), Maharashtra Express (Daily) and Pune-Nagpur Express (Tue, Thu, Sun). Of the 216 festival trips announced by Pune Division for Diwali and Chhath, only 40 trips are for Hadapsar-Nagpur.

 

Central Railway claims these add 30,000 extra berths, but they are also full within 10 days of opening. Regular trains from Pune to Nagpur for Oct 18-26, the main Diwali travel dates are also running with WL 120-200 and REGRET. Passengers say no chance, same story every Diwali. Two years I waited for Diwali leave. Pune to Nagpur is 700 km but there is not a single confirmed seat from Nov 5 to 10 neither Pune to Nagpur nor back. WL 180, REGRET, Premium Tatkal also fail. We are not asking for luxury, we are asking to go home,” said Akash Deshmukh, IT professional, working at Hinjewadi, Pune. All 15 trains Nov 1-10 REGRET. Unreserved means 14 hours standing with parents. Every year we face the same problem because there are not more trains on this route,” said Vaishnavi Dihiye, Government Teacher, PMC. Tatkal opens at 10 am for AC, 11 am for SL.

 

Within 2-3 minutes WL 50-plus. Premium Tatkal also REGRET WL 100-plus for Nov 5,6,7. Customers have no chance,” said Suresh Kale, authorised IRCTC agent, Sitabuldi. Passengers said for a festival where coming home is an emotion, they need more than announcements, they need affordable, safe and confirmed seats without 18-hour traffic trauma. They have demanded daily extra specials from Nagpur to Pune from Nov 1 to 10 and augmentation of coaches. Passengers said they need more permanent trains on the Pune-Nagpur route, not just temporary specials, to end the yearly Diwali crisis.