While the railways are consistently losing revenue in the wake of floods that have encapsulated large parts of southern and central parts of the state, private bus agencies are raking money.

Passengers left stranded by cancellation of trains are queuing up at bus stands to reach places like Puri, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack in Orissa. Sensing business, private bus agencies are charging extra money for the ride.

While the normal rate for a ticket from Kolkata to Puri is Rs 300 some are charging as much as Rs 500. With all seats booked, these buses are accommodating more passengers than the number of seats.

“There is a rush for bus tickets. We had to increase the price because we have to take longer routes. The rains have damaged several roads,” said a ticket seller of a private bus.

While some are charging more by citing longer routes, other private agencies were making money by allowing people to pay Rs 150 and sit on the bus floor.

“All seats are filled up quickly because trains to these destinations have been cancelled. Passengers line up at 7 am to make sure that they get a seat,” said a private bus operator.

The railways, meanwhile, continue to grapple with ordinate delays and cancellation. It is feared that losses may pile up to Rs 100 crore if the situation remains the same. From June 17 to June 19, the South Eastern railway authorities have refunded approximately Rs 12 lakh at Howrah alone with around 4,500 customers cancelling their tickets. There were 2,300 cancellations on Friday with the Railways refunding Rs seven lakh.

“There are a large number of cancellations and we are refunding huge amounts to passengers everyday,” said the spokesperson, S E railways, Archana Srivastav. Flights, on the other hand, are witnessing a jump in ticket sales. Air India, which has flights to Chennai, has seen a 10 per cent increase from their normal sales.

Mamata accuses govt of mismanagement
KOLKATA: Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee lambasted the state government for failing to control the floods in the state and the “corruption ridden relief work”. “In 31 years the state government has failed to come up with a plan for controlling floods, erosion and setting up of embankments,” said Mamata while addressing a gathering of newly-elected panchayat members and party workers at Bongaon stadium in North 24 Parganas on Saturday..“Funds from the Centre are being pocketed by CPM leaders as people die and their houses get washed away,” added Mamata She further alleged that the CPM is also engaged in corruption in providing relief.