Residents queue up to book tickets at Patna Junction on Wednesday. Picture by Deepak Kumar

The festive mood is back with the rush for train tickets.

The waiting list for most long-distance trains from New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore on the days of Durga Puja, Diwali and Chhath had already crossed more than hundred with requests for booking still pouring in.

People finding difficult to get a confirmed ticket, as the reservation lists of Bihar-bound trains showing zero availability of seat with the rush being expected to remain till first week of November when Chhath will get over on October 29.

Officials at the computerised ticket booking centre at Patna Junction said Rajdhani Express, Shramjeevi Express, Magadh Express, Sanghamitra Express and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (Kurla)-Patna Express and other long-distance trains that travel to Bihar had long waiting lists in all classes.

Yogesh Kumar, a Delhi University student, complained about not getting confirmed ticket to Patna. “Every year, I have to struggle to get a confirmed berth. Last year, I had to share my berth with another person as my ticket was in RAC (reservation against cancellation). It seems this year as well I have to face the similar problem,” he said.

Vivek Singh, another student of RVS College, Bangalore, said: “Everyone wants to go their homes during the festive season and it is the duty of railways to provide the facility.”

During the festive season, a large number of engineering students visit their hometowns to celebrate the occasion along with their family members.

Asked about what are other options, he was looking for, Vivek said: “I am trying to get a ticket through tout but he is charging me a lot — Rs 1,000 extra on the price of the ticket (Rs 2,257) for AC-III. He is saying the more I will delay the more he will charge. It is frustrating.”

Till now, the railways have not announced to run any Puja special train to clear the rush during festival. However railway officials assured that soon they would make the announcement as per the requirement.

East Central Railway (ECR) deputy general manager A.K. Jha said: “Every year, the ECR runs Puja special trains and this year also we will do. We are working on this issue and soon we will make the announcement. Apart from running the Puja special trains, extra coaches would also be attached to the existing mail and express trains, if required. We certainly understand that the people face a lot of problems during the festive season.”