With the festive season underway, Malayalis are finding it increasingly challenging to secure train tickets to Kerala for Christmas and New Year celebrations. As ticket sales for the holiday week skyrocket, waiting lists for several popular trains have grown significantly, leaving many stranded without travel options. Various Malayali organizations are urging authorities to announce special trains to address the overwhelming demand.
Key routes are severely impacted, with the Yeshwanthpur-Kannur Express (16527) showing waiting lists exceeding 173 for sleeper class, while Third AC tickets are fully booked. Other Kerala-bound trains, such as the Bengaluru-Ernakulam Express (12677) and the Bengaluru-Kanyakumari Express (16526), have similarly long wait times, with the latter crossing a staggering 298. Additionally, long waiting lists are reported on trains from cities like Mumbai and Delhi, including the Netravati Express (16345) and Mangala Express (12618).
Bengaluru-based Malayali groups have voiced their concerns, recalling how special trains were arranged during elections to facilitate voter travel. Bengaluru Malabar Travellers’ Rights Protect Forum (BMTRPF) has called upon MPs and public representatives to take similar steps during the festive season to ease the current travel crisis.
Further adding to the disappointment is the delayed extension of the Bengaluru-Kannur Express (16511/16512) to Kozhikode. Though announced by the Railway Board earlier this year, the service has yet to be implemented, leaving travelers frustrated. This setback, coupled with the lack of special trains, highlights the pressing need for better planning to accommodate the surge in festive travel demand.
