CR orders inquiry into quick sale of tickets for Ganpati-special trains

Suspecting foul play over the rapid booking of tickets of special, Ganpati trains within minutes of their availability the Central Railway (CR) has ordered an inquiry into the sale of these tickets.

Suspecting foul play over the rapid booking of tickets of special, Ganpati trains within minutes of their availability the Central Railway (CR) has ordered an inquiry into the sale of these tickets.

This is the first time that an inquiry of this kind has been ordered, even though similar incidents occur every year during the festival.

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Expecting a surge in demand for Konkan and Goa-bound trains during the Ganpati festival, CR had announced 60 special trains from Mumbai to Madgaon between September 15 and October 3.

“The inquiry has been to identify whether the sudden and rapid booking of seats is a normal phenomenon or whether seats are being cornered. We have seized all ticket requisitions of these trains and are verifying them,” said Subodh Jain, general manager (GM), CR. The administration will also examine the manner of booking including whether the booking has taken place from booking counters or online. “Tickets for 30 trains were booked within a span of two to three hours. If there is no foul play, will announce some more trains for this period,” added Jain.

Meanwhile, the CR has announced 20 additional special trains from Lokmanya Tila Terminus – Madure on alternate days during the Ganpati festival. The booking dates for these trains will be announced shortly.