Ticket Crisis as Bengal Workers Rush Home to Cast Votes

News Source: India Today

A surge of migrant workers from West Bengal living in Mumbai and Delhi is being witnessed ahead of the elections, as fears grow over names being removed from voter lists after the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. In Bengali-populated areas of South Delhi and business hubs like Zaveri Bazaar, many families have reported missing names, with some households finding only a few members still listed. This has created panic among workers, including first-time voters and long-time residents, who now see returning home to vote as essential for protecting their identity and future participation in elections.

The sudden rush, however, has led to a severe transport shortage. Workers, particularly from sectors like the gold ornament industry, are struggling to get train tickets even through Tatkal bookings despite paying extra. Despite requests for more services, only a limited number of special trains have been introduced, which migrants say is insufficient compared to demand. With regular trains already overcrowded, many are being forced to opt for expensive alternatives like AC buses, while some are travelling back not just to vote but also to confirm whether their names remain on the electoral rolls.