South Central Railway to run specials in festive season

Secunderabad: During the festive month, due to unprecedented rush, thousands of people miss out on reserved train tickets, and have to be on the waiting lists. Especially, the trains plying from twin cities to Andhra Pradesh have all their tickets reserved.

The berths were booked almost four months in advance. Keeping the importance of the festive season, during which thousands from twin cities leave for native places in Andhra to celebrate the festival with their dear and near ones, the SCR has deployed 45 special trains during Dussehra and Diwali.

Speaking to Hans India, Narendra Babu, PR Inspector, SCR, said "On an average, around 50 daily trains and 15 non-daily trains are operating from the twins cities toward Andhra Pradesh every day. To cater to the heavy demand, the SCR has deployed an additional 45 trains in the peak season of the festivals." As almost all the trains are full and no booking exist for 15 days from September 29 to October 13, so specials trains have been introduced.

Around 30 trains are full, including train no 08502 Secunderabad –Visakhapatnam, 07148 Kacheguda – Srikakulam Road and many more. Only four Suvidha trains are vacant that too only in AC II Tier. Especially the trains which are bound for Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam Road, Tirupati, Vijayawada, and Kurnool City are booked.

Also, platform tickets in Secunderabad and Kacheguda stations have been increased to control the crowds on the railway premises. Generally, the platform tickets cost Rs 10 and it has been doubled. This hike is effective only till October 10.

In order to cater the heavy demand during the festival season, the SCR has deployed 754 special trains i.e., from 15 September to October 31, which include 642 trains originating/terminating on SCR and 112 trains passing through the zone.