Struggling to get confirmed train ticket? Here’s what you can do during festival rush
Railway stations typically witness heavy crowds around the festive period, with passengers making last-minute efforts to reach their hometowns
- Sep 20, 2026,
- Updated Sep 20, 2026 5:05 AM IST
With the festive season approaching, passengers are preparing to travel home for Dussehra, Diwali and Chhath Puja. Train travel remains a preferred option for many because it is relatively affordable and convenient. However, the surge in demand often makes getting a confirmed berth difficult.
Railway stations typically witness heavy crowds around the festive period, with passengers making last-minute efforts to reach their hometowns. Although reserved tickets can be booked 60 days before the journey, confirmed berths can still be difficult to secure, particularly in the days leading up to major festivals, according to AajTak.
Booked early? Your chances of confirmation are higher
Passengers who book tickets as soon as the reservation window opens may have a better chance of securing confirmed berths. However, those who are already facing long waiting lists may need to explore alternative travel options.
One approach that passengers can consider is splitting the journey into two or more legs, rather than searching only for a direct confirmed ticket.
Break journey: Book tickets in two parts
If a confirmed ticket is unavailable on a direct train, passengers can check the availability between major intermediate stations.
For example, if a passenger wants to travel from Delhi to Patna but cannot find a confirmed ticket, they can check whether a berth is available from Delhi to Kanpur and then look for another train from Kanpur to Patna.
This approach can sometimes improve the chances of finding available seats, although it does not guarantee a confirmed ticket.
Tatkal booking is another option
For passengers who are unable to secure a confirmed ticket in advance, Tatkal booking is another option. However, Tatkal tickets come with additional charges and are subject to limited availability.
Try other trains on the same route
Passengers should not limit their search to a single train. During the festive rush, one train may have a long waiting list while another train operating on a similar route may still have availability.
Checking different departure times, train numbers, and intermediate stations can therefore provide additional options.
ALSO READ: Travelling by train? Western Railway diverts 5 trains from Sept 19; check new routes, stops
Special trains can offer more options
Indian Railways typically introduces special trains during major festivals to manage the additional passenger demand. These services can provide an alternative when regular trains are fully booked.
Passengers should keep an eye on announcements regarding festival special trains and check their availability through official railway booking channels.
With the festive season approaching, passengers are preparing to travel home for Dussehra, Diwali and Chhath Puja. Train travel remains a preferred option for many because it is relatively affordable and convenient. However, the surge in demand often makes getting a confirmed berth difficult.
Railway stations typically witness heavy crowds around the festive period, with passengers making last-minute efforts to reach their hometowns. Although reserved tickets can be booked 60 days before the journey, confirmed berths can still be difficult to secure, particularly in the days leading up to major festivals, according to AajTak.
Booked early? Your chances of confirmation are higher
Passengers who book tickets as soon as the reservation window opens may have a better chance of securing confirmed berths. However, those who are already facing long waiting lists may need to explore alternative travel options.
One approach that passengers can consider is splitting the journey into two or more legs, rather than searching only for a direct confirmed ticket.
Break journey: Book tickets in two parts
If a confirmed ticket is unavailable on a direct train, passengers can check the availability between major intermediate stations.
For example, if a passenger wants to travel from Delhi to Patna but cannot find a confirmed ticket, they can check whether a berth is available from Delhi to Kanpur and then look for another train from Kanpur to Patna.
This approach can sometimes improve the chances of finding available seats, although it does not guarantee a confirmed ticket.
Tatkal booking is another option
For passengers who are unable to secure a confirmed ticket in advance, Tatkal booking is another option. However, Tatkal tickets come with additional charges and are subject to limited availability.
Try other trains on the same route
Passengers should not limit their search to a single train. During the festive rush, one train may have a long waiting list while another train operating on a similar route may still have availability.
Checking different departure times, train numbers, and intermediate stations can therefore provide additional options.
ALSO READ: Travelling by train? Western Railway diverts 5 trains from Sept 19; check new routes, stops
Special trains can offer more options
Indian Railways typically introduces special trains during major festivals to manage the additional passenger demand. These services can provide an alternative when regular trains are fully booked.
Passengers should keep an eye on announcements regarding festival special trains and check their availability through official railway booking channels.