Rail Disruption Hits Bastar Tourism During Dussehra Season; Hoteliers Seek Permit-Free Buses From Koraput

Landslides and a rail mega block on the route have disrupted train services from Bengal, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh to Jagdalpur in Chhattisgarh, according to a report published on October 14. The disruption came during Bastar Dussehra and the region's peak tourist season.

Hotels, homestays and other tourism businesses are losing revenue as tourists cancel their trips and existing hotel bookings are called off. The Hotel Association expects losses of crores of rupees over the ten-day Dussehra season. Trains from Odisha and Bengal currently reach only as far as Koraput.

The association has asked for permit-free buses to run from Koraput to Jagdalpur so that tourists can complete the journey by road. Its president, Jatin Jaiswal, asked the administration to act quickly on the demand.

Homestay operators, local vehicle drivers, guides and small businesses are also losing income. The report says rail service is not expected to resume until after the main tourist season ends.

Bastar Dussehra is one of the longest festivals in the country and draws visitors from across India and abroad. Jagdalpur, the main town of the region, depends on this season for a large share of its yearly tourism income, so a break in rail access at this time hurts hotel owners and families who rely on seasonal work.

Officials have not yet announced whether the permit-free bus arrangement will be allowed. Travellers planning a visit are advised to check the latest train status with Indian Railways and consider road travel from Raipur or Visakhapatnam.

Bastar Dussehra is among the longest festivals in the country and brings visitors from many states, so hotels, transporters and small traders in Jagdalpur depend heavily on this season. Travellers are advised to check the status of trains and road options before leaving, and to confirm hotel bookings in advance. Any permit decision rests with the transport authorities of the two states.