India, Nov. 12 -- Passengers returning to Delhi after Diwali are struggling to find bus seats from Lucknow, with online-bookable services on the route reported to be full until November 15. The return rush follows a rise in arrivals from Delhi during the festival, even as fewer buses were operated compared with last year.

According to figures shared by the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC), 1.15 lakh passengers travelled from Delhi to Lucknow by bus over four days during Diwali, against 1.03 lakh last year. The number of buses operated during the festival, however, fell from 1,052 to 945.

"Fewer buses were operated this Diwali compared with last year, while more passengers arrived in Lucknow from Delhi during the f...