Long Waitlists on Bihar‑bound Services

Seat demand for trains heading to Bihar has surged dramatically. On 17 October the Ranchi‑Patna Vande Bharat Express (train 22350) shows 57 passengers waiting in Chair Car and 11 in Executive Class. The Jan Shatabdi Express (12366) records 84 hopefuls in Second Sitting and 27 in Chair Car.

The Hatia‑Purnia Court Express (18626) already has a 110‑person waiting list for Second Sitting, while its sleeper bookings have turned into ‘Regret’. Third AC Economy carries a wait of 21, and Third AC 43. For 18 October the sleeper‑class waitlist rises to 64 and Third AC to 21.

Similarly, the Hatia‑Islampur Express (18624) lists 82 passengers waiting for Sleeper, 21 in Third AC Economy, 48 in Third AC and 29 in Second AC for the 17th. The Hatia‑Patna Pataliputra Express (18622) shows 80 in Sleeper, 30 in Third AC and 12 in Second AC.

From Sambalpur, the Maurya Express (15027) has 78 sleepers and 28 Third AC on the waiting list, while the Rourkela‑Jaynagar Express (18105) shows 47 in Third AC and 18 in Second AC for 18 October.

Delhi and Jammu Corridors Also Under Strain

Securing a confirmed berth to New Delhi is equally challenging. The Ranchi‑New Delhi Rajdhani (20839) lists 161 passengers in Third AC and 30 in Second AC waiting for 17 October. Another Rajdhani (12453) shows 35 in Third AC and 28 in Second AC for the 18th.

The Hatia‑Anand Vihar Terminal Express (12817) carries a waiting list of 72 in Sleeper, 20 in Third AC and 11 in Second AC for 18 October.

Travelers bound for Jammu face similar hurdles. On the Sambalpur‑Jammu Tawi Express (18309), the 17 October waitlist stands at 148 in Sleeper and 110 in Third AC, with Second AC already marked ‘Regret’.

Festival‑Special Trains Experience Heavy Demand

Railways have introduced special services to absorb the festive surge, yet availability remains uneven. The Ranchi‑Anand Vihar Terminal Special (02877) shows waiting lists of 52 in Sleeper and 18 in Third AC for 17 October, and 69 in Sleeper and 52 in Third AC for 24 October, while Second AC is at ‘Regret’.

The Hatia‑SMVT Bengaluru Special (08637) records 46 sleepers, 20 Third AC Economy and 17 Third AC waiting for 21 October, with a November 4 sleeper waitlist of 19.

Some Special Services Provide Relief

Despite the overall crunch, a handful of specials still have seats. The Ranchi‑Shalimar Special (08616) offers 180 vacant sleeper berths on 21 October, with a RAC of 13 in Third AC.

The Ranchi‑Ajmer Special (09620) shows a modest sleeper waitlist of 22 for 18 October, but seats open up on later dates. Most berths on the Ranchi‑Alipurduar Special (08661) remain free throughout the rest of October and the first week of November.

On the Hatia‑Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Special (08609), sleeper‑class waitlists hover between 16 and 18 passengers for 19 and 26 October, while Third AC still enjoys ample availability.

Travel tip: With confirmed tickets scarce during Durga Puja, always double‑check seat availability for your chosen train and date before booking. Opting for less‑crowded special services can boost your chances of securing a confirmed berth.