Festive Travel Surge Ahead of Sankranti Brings Heavy Rush at Visakhapatnam’s Major Transit Hubs

Visakhapatnam witnessed a sharp rise in passenger movement on Sunday as thousands of people began travelling to their native places ahead of the Sankranti festival, leading to heavy rush at key transit points across the city. The Dwaraka Bus Station and Visakhapatnam Railway Station emerged as the busiest hubs, with large crowds gathering throughout the day to catch buses and trains bound for various districts of Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring States.

The festive season, traditionally marked by family reunions and travel to hometowns, triggered a significant increase in demand for public transport. From early morning hours, long queues were seen at ticket counters, platforms, and boarding points, as passengers made last-minute travel arrangements to reach their destinations before the start of the celebrations.

High Passenger Volume at Bus and Railway Stations

Officials said the rush was particularly intense at the RTC Complex in Dwaraka, where buses heading towards coastal, north Andhra, and Rayalaseema regions operated at near full capacity. Similarly, Visakhapatnam Railway Station experienced a steady flow of passengers boarding long-distance and regional trains, many of which were running with high occupancy.

With multiple services arriving and departing in short intervals, platforms and waiting areas remained crowded for most of the day. Passengers were seen moving quickly between entry points and platforms to secure seats, reflecting the urgency that typically accompanies festival travel.

Transport authorities noted that the volume of travellers this year appeared higher compared to regular weekends, largely due to Sankranti being one of the most widely celebrated festivals in the region.

Festive Travel Traditions Drive Movement

Sankranti holds special cultural significance in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, prompting families to return to their villages to take part in traditional rituals, community events, and harvest-related celebrations. For many, the festival is also an opportunity to spend extended time with relatives, contributing to increased travel over a short period.

Passengers travelling from Visakhapatnam included students, working professionals, and families, many of whom planned their journeys well in advance. However, officials said a sizable number of travellers opted for last-minute bookings, adding to congestion at transport hubs.

“I travel home every year for Sankranti, but this time the rush seems much heavier,” said a commuter waiting at the bus station. “Everyone wants to reach before the festival begins.”

Measures by Transport Authorities

In response to the surge, the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) reportedly operated additional services on key routes to manage demand. Extra buses were deployed during peak hours, and staff were stationed at strategic points to guide passengers and maintain orderly boarding.

Railway authorities also made arrangements to handle the festive rush, including deploying additional personnel on platforms and in waiting areas. Announcements were made regularly to inform passengers about train schedules and boarding procedures.

Officials advised travellers to remain patient and follow instructions issued by station staff to ensure smooth movement and safety amid the high footfall.

Crowd Management and Passenger Experience

Despite the arrangements, managing such a large influx of passengers within a limited time frame posed challenges. Waiting areas and boarding points remained crowded, particularly during the arrival of popular trains and buses. However, no major untoward incidents were reported, and services continued as scheduled.

Authorities appealed to passengers to cooperate with staff, avoid unnecessary rushing, and allow priority boarding for elderly travellers, women with children, and persons with special needs.

Travel Rush Expected to Continue

Transport officials anticipate that the festive rush will continue over the next few days, with return journeys expected after the conclusion of Sankranti celebrations. Both APSRTC and railway authorities are likely to continue operating additional services to accommodate passenger demand.

Passengers planning to travel in the coming days have been advised to book tickets in advance wherever possible and reach stations early to avoid last-minute inconvenience.

City Gears Up for Festive Season

The surge in travel also reflects the broader festive atmosphere across Visakhapatnam, with markets, transport services, and public spaces witnessing increased activity. Local businesses near bus and railway stations reported higher footfall as travellers purchased food, essentials, and festival-related items before departure.

As the city sends off thousands of residents heading home for Sankranti, officials expressed confidence that coordinated efforts by transport agencies will help manage the festive movement efficiently.