Kochi: With Onam just around the corner, fares on private buses from cities such as Bengaluru and Chennai to Kerala have surged sharply. A sleeper bus ticket from Bengaluru to Ernakulam, which normally costs ₹1,300–1,400, is now priced at around ₹4,000. From Chennai, the regular ₹1,800 fare has climbed to more than ₹4,100 in the run-up to the festival.

Fares are expected to rise further as the holiday approaches. Train tickets are already sold out, and many passengers are hoping for more special services from the state government public transport system and the Railways.

92 special trains announced

So far, 92 special trains have been announced for the festive season. These include services from Chennai (6), Mangaluru (22), Bengaluru (18), Velankanni (10) and Patna (36).

In addition, 10 regular trains will operate with extra coaches. Among them are:

  • Thiruvananthapuram–Kozhikode Janshatabdi Express (1 chair car)
  • Thiruvananthapuram–Ernakulam Vanchinad Express (1 general second class)
  • Thiruvananthapuram–Guruvayur Intercity (1 general second class)
  • Thiruvananthapuram–Madurai Amrita Express (1 general second class)
  • Mangaluru–Thiruvananthapuram Maveli Express (1 sleeper coach)

KSRTC services

The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will run 51 special services to Bengaluru, Chennai and Mysuru between August 29 and September 16. These include Superfast, Swift and multi-axle buses. Services are already sold out on Thiruvonam day and on the following Sunday, when most travellers return after the festival.

Karnataka RTC services

Karnataka RTC has also announced 47 Onam special buses from Bengaluru to Kerala, with more services bound for Ernakulam and Thrissur. Officials said services are arranged based on demand, and additional buses will be operated on Thiruvonam morning if passenger numbers are high.