With Onam just a month away, train tickets to Kerala’s southern districts have already become heavily waitlisted, according to Manorama Online. Most trains heading to Thiruvananthapuram, including the Thiruvananthapuram Superfast Express, are experiencing long waitlists, with some exceeding 100. The high demand means that existing ticket holders are unlikely to cancel, leaving Tatkal tickets and special trains as the main alternatives for last-minute travelers. Tickets for trains to Malabar on September 11 are still available, but availability for other dates is limited.
The rush for Onam travel is evident as early as September 11, with tickets for trains to Thiruvananthapuram already showing waitlists of over 100. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that travelers are unlikely to see cancellations during this peak season. Passengers heading to Malabar have a better chance of securing tickets, but there are calls for the Railways to announce special trains well in advance to avoid last-minute confusion and ensure a smoother travel experience for those celebrating Onam.
