Special trains run by the Railway Ministry for the festive rush are attracting few passengers. They often carry higher fares and longer travel times than regular services, which has disappointed many travellers.

Travellers book waiting-list tickets on regular trains instead because they value reliability and punctuality. Officials say that cutting the fare of special trains could bring more riders back during peak periods. However, regular train demand exceeds their capacity during festive rushes, making waiting-list tickets a common choice for passengers.

Special trains are often delayed by several hours, causing uncertainty and inconvenience for passengers. Railway officials suggest lowering special train fares to attract more passengers amidst ongoing challenges.