[digital drifter]

OK, it's about the 2nd time in a month, that the local tamil TV channels are showing people complaining about non availability of tickets.  Everything from internet booking, touts and bulk  booking agents are being blamed.

The SR PRO(Public Relations Officer) has said "...action will taken against black marketers" which is sign of admission that something is  amiss.

So, the earlier you book, the more likely you're in getting confirmed tickets.

[sadhuji]

digital drifter, on Nov 17 2008, 04:38 PM, said:

.......So, the earlier you book, the more likely you're in getting confirmed tickets.

the lead time for advance booking is 90 days - it is quite easy to get reserved accomodation, only you have to plan the itinerary in advance ... you can always cancel the tickets in case the journery does not materialise due to whatever reasons ... you will lose only the reservation charges of twenty odd rupees per ticket ...

[Shiver me Timbers]

I noticed in a thread over on Indiamike they've started installing side middle berths on many routes. This might help a bit.

[jyoti]

Side middle berths? yikes. That's going to be super crowded then.

And even 90 days out, popular routes book up fast. Many people book in advance online, maybe even for several alternate days, then wait 'til the last minute to cancel. Not just tourists. This makes even advance booking difficult, let alone last minute.  (I've also known taktal to be full within a few hours of opening up...)

[cyberhippie]

Sounds perfectly awful Conor, the seating arrangement during the day for one thing. Side berths were once a nice place to sit, ok the bottom bunk was usually a bit suspect, but during the day there were great views to be had for both of you (I always travel with Mrs Cyberhippie so this was a bonus)
Enough space to stow our usually modest packs (again sometimes a problem in the 6 berth compartment, locals and tourists alike, sometimes carry too much luggage, this infringes on other passengers luggage space.........)

Always close to the various catering guys, space to eat your thali, without the constant fear of your western fingers letting you down and showering the travel companions with Dal/Chicken Masala.

A single outstretched hand at 6.00 am offered up a coffee or a chai...

Now you'll have to think about banging yer heid, competition from the other two berths on your chai intake, you'll have to sit on someone's knee during the day, the chances of a dal "spill" are somewhat extended.

I know boring old fart who can't handle change.

I usually go for the inside compartment... 1 lower/middle bunk plus 1 upper bunk scenario anyway, Laloo isn't going to take all our goodies.

[jyotirmoy]

Although aviation fuel prices have come down substantially the airlines are not lowering their fares which had seen a steep upward rise in the past. They want to square up the accumulated losses. So people who had been opting for budget airlines are now coming back to railways.

[jyoti]

Putting in a middle bunk will also mean legs in the aisle on the side berths, because they'll be too close together to sit up top comfortably. Two people could sit nicely in a laid out bottom bunk.