All Kerala-bound trains sold out for Christmas; passengers demand special services

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Malayalis hoping to travel home for Christmas are facing a major setback, as not a single train to Kerala has confirmed tickets available. With the Mandala season beginning today, Sabarimala pilgrims who have not booked tickets in advance are also affected. The tourism season has added to the rush, and by the end of December, all trains to Kerala are fully booked. Passengers are now demanding special trains to handle the increased traffic.

Trains such as the Netravati Express, LTT-Thiruvananthapuram North Express, and Pune-Ernakulam Superfast have no tickets left. No tickets are available for the Sleeper, Third AC Economy, Third AC, or Second AC classes in the Netravati Express from December 20 to 23. With rising demand, getting Tatkal tickets has also become difficult.

In the LTT–Thiruvananthapuram Netravati Express, the Sleeper Class waiting list for December 20 and 23 stands at 49 and 83 respectively. In Third AC, the waiting list is close to 100. In Second AC, even waiting list tickets are unavailable for both dates.