New Delhi, Dec. 11 -- Private bus operators and online ticketing platforms are hoping to retain more users as travellers stranded by the IndiGo flight cancellation fiasco seek out last-minute travel alternatives. From local travel companies to electric-bus startups, everyone is vying for a share of a market that has lit up like a Christmas tree.

Bookings at redBus, India's largest online bus ticketing platform, increased 17% from 5 to 8 December, following the flight cancellations during 1-4 December, the company told Mint in an emailed response. Bookings surged more than 30% across 70+ routes in Pune, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Bangalore.

Demand has risen on short-haul routes such as Mumbai-Ahmedabad, Chennai-Hyderabad and Vishakhapatnam-Hy...