Durga Puja Travel Squeeze: Ranchi Trains to Bihar, Delhi and Jammu Swamped with Waitlists

Soaring Waitlists on Bihar‑bound Services

Seats for trains heading to Bihar have become a premium commodity. On 17 October, the Ranchi‑Patna Vande Bharat Express (train 22350) is showing a waiting list of 57 passengers in Chair Car and 11 in Executive Class. The Jan Shatabdi Express (12366) has 84 aspirants in Second Sitting and 27 in Chair Car.

The Hatia‑Purnia Court Express (18626) already carries a 110‑person queue for Second Sitting, while its sleeper‑class bookings have turned into ‘Regret’. Third AC Economy is backed up by 21 passengers and Third AC by 43. For 18 October, the sleeper‑class waitlist climbs to 64 and Third AC to 21.

Similarly, the Hatia‑Islampur Express (18624) records 82 travellers waiting for Sleeper, 21 in Third AC Economy, 48 in Third AC and 29 in Second AC for the 17th. The Hatia‑Patna Pataliputra Express (18622) lists 80 in Sleeper, 30 in Third AC and 12 in Second AC.

From Sambalpur, the Maurya Express (15027) has 78 sleepers and 28 Third AC on the waiting list, while the Rourkela‑Jaynagar Express (18105) shows 47 in Third AC and 18 in Second AC for 18 October.

Delhi and Jammu Corridors Feel the Strain

Finding a confirmed berth to New Delhi is equally challenging. The Ranchi‑New Delhi Rajdhani (20839) shows 161 passengers waiting in Third AC and 30 in Second AC for 17 October. Another Rajdhani (12453) has 35 in Third AC and 28 in Second AC on the 18th.

The Hatia‑Anand Vihar Terminal Express (12817) carries a waiting list of 72 in Sleeper, 20 in Third AC and 11 in Second AC for 18 October.

Travelers bound for Jammu encounter similar hurdles. On the Sambalpur‑Jammu Tawi Express (18309), the 17 October waitlist stands at 148 in Sleeper and 110 in Third AC, with Second AC already marked ‘Regret’.

Festival Specials Grapple with Overwhelming Demand

Railways have rolled out special trains to soak up the festive rush, yet seat availability remains patchy. The Ranchi‑Anand Vihar Terminal Special (02877) records waiting lists of 52 in Sleeper and 18 in Third AC for 17 October, and 69 in Sleeper and 52 in Third AC for 24 October, while Second AC is at ‘Regret’.

The Hatia‑SMVT Bengaluru Special (08637) shows 46 sleepers, 20 Third AC Economy and 17 Third AC waiting for 21 October, with a modest 19‑person sleeper queue for 4 November.

Some Specials Still Offer Relief

Despite the overall crunch, a few special services retain open berths. The Ranchi‑Shalimar Special (08616) provides 180 vacant sleeper seats on 21 October, with a RAC of 13 in Third AC.

The Ranchi‑Ajmer Special (09620) has a modest sleeper waitlist of 22 for 18 October, but additional seats open on later dates. Most berths on the Ranchi‑Alipurduar Special (08661) stay free throughout the remainder of October and the first week of November.

On the Hatia‑Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Special (08609), sleeper‑class waitlists hover between 16 and 18 passengers for 19 October and 26 October, while Third AC continues to have ample space.

Travel tip: With confirmed tickets scarce during Durga Puja, always double‑check seat availability for your preferred train and date before booking. Opting for less‑crowded special services can markedly boost your odds of securing a confirmed berth.