The Bareilly-Mumbai train route has become a nightmare for travelers, with ticket availability reaching a critical low. All major trains are fully booked for the next 50 days, leaving passengers with no choice but to pay extra for Tatkal tickets, consider flights, or explore other travel alternatives. From sleeper class to AC compartments, long waiting lists have made it nearly impossible to secure a confirmed ticket, highlighting the severe pressure on the limited train services operating between these cities.

Limited Train Services Fail to Meet Growing Demand

With only six weekly trains connecting Bareilly to Mumbai, the growing demand has overwhelmed the existing infrastructure. Popular trains like the Bareilly-Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Express are fully booked until January 18, while the Ramnagar-Bandra Terminus Express shows no availability until February 14. Even special trains such as the Kathgodam-Mumbai Central Special, introduced to ease the load, are fully booked with long waiting lists, leaving passengers stranded.

High Passenger Load from Uttarakhand Adds to the Crisis

One of the key reasons behind this crisis is the high passenger load from Uttarakhand. Trains like the Ramnagar-Bandra Terminus Express often arrive fully packed, leaving little room for passengers boarding from Bareilly. Adding to the problem, proposals to increase train frequencies are stuck in the Railway Board, further aggravating the situation.

Expensive Alternatives for Desperate Travelers

Desperate travelers are turning to costly alternatives. Tatkal tickets, priced at 1.5 times the regular fare, have become a common but expensive option. Those who can afford it are opting for flights, while others are resorting to buses, which, though slower, are more affordable. Unfortunately, even newly introduced trains like the Lalkuan-Bandra Terminus Express, running once a week, fail to provide significant relief due to their limited frequency.

Hopes Pinned on Future Railway Announcements

Passengers hoping for a solution are pinning their hopes on announcements for schedule extensions or special trains. However, the current situation demands urgent action from the authorities to prioritize better connectivity and increased train services between Bareilly and Mumbai. Without such measures, the gap between supply and demand will only continue to widen, leaving travelers with no viable options.

The Need for Immediate Action

This crisis underscores the need for immediate intervention to enhance the frequency of trains, expand services, and cater to the increasing number of passengers on this route. Until then, travelers are advised to plan their journeys well in advance, stay updated on railway notifications, and explore alternative travel methods to avoid last-minute hassles.