Nagpur: As the festival of lights, Diwali, approaches, Nagpurians residing in Pune are preparing to return to their hometown to celebrate the occasion with their families. As city yet to offer greater opportunities and career prospects, many feel that Diwali is incomplete without the presence of loved ones, prompting a rush for homecoming.
However, the festive season has brought a significant surge in travel fares across all modes of transport connecting Pune to Nagpur, including buses, trains, and flights. We spoke with several Nagpurians to understand the challenges they are facing in securing tickets for their journey home.
Isha Singh, an IT professional, highlighted the desperation among travelers who often turn to touts and private bus operators when regular tickets become unavailable.
"Touts exploit the situation by charging a commission of up to Rs 1,000 per train ticket, while flight fares for the Pune-Nagpur route can reach as high as Rs 20,000. Private bus operators also increase their rates from the usual Rs 1,000-1,500 to Rs 4,000-5,000 during the Diwali rush," Singh explained.
Ketan Kuril, an executive at an automobile company in Chinchwad, shared his decision to drive to Nagpur due to the difficulties in booking train tickets.
"Securing a ticket for Pune-Nagpur trains is always a challenge, and it’s nearly impossible during the festive period. So, I’ve decided to drive home. The cost is about Rs 6,000, including fuel, snacks, and tolls, which is more affordable compared to other travel options. The newly operational Samruddhi Expressway has also made the journey smoother," he said.
Meanwhile, Nikhil Chandani, a corporate employee, revealed his strategy to counter the festive rush.
"Given the steep hike in prices during Diwali, I usually book my tickets three months in advance. This helps me ensure a smooth and cost-effective journey back home to Nagpur, without the stress of last-minute ticket availability and inflated fares," Chandani noted.
The Diwali homecoming has become a challenging affair for Nagpurians in Pune, with inflated travel costs and limited availability of tickets adding to their woes. Despite these hurdles, their determination to celebrate the festival with family continues to drive them back to their roots.
