Private bus operators are earning profits over the delay in announcing Onam special trains by charging excessive fares. Ticket prices for private buses from Chennai to Ernakulam during the Onam period is more than Rs. 4000. In addition to their regular services, these operators are reaping profits by running special services to cater to the Onam rush.

This year, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has introduced two Onam special services from Chennai. One of the services travels to Thiruvananthapuram, passing through Madurai, Tirunelveli, and Nagercoil. These special services benefit southern Tamil Nadu passengers more than Malayalis. The tickets to the Chennai-Ernakulam special bus service were sold out, and reservations for the daily service on the same route have also been filled.

As KSRTC remains hesitant to provide additional services, and with the railways delaying announcement of special trains, the situation for travellers is becoming difficult. Despite Thiruvonam being more than two weeks away, there is a growing demand for the railways to announce special train services. Earlier, Onam special services were announced well in advance, but in recent years, this announcement has been delayed.

Railways tend to announce it just a few days before the service starts, making it impractical for those who plan their journeys well in advance. Even though the railways will not face financial loss as they will attract passengers regardless of the timing, the delay poses a significant inconvenience for many non-Kerala resident Malayalis eager to celebrate Onam with their families at home.