As the festive season of Diwali and Chhath Puja approaches, thousands of passengers across India are gearing up to travel back home. However, one of the biggest challenges during this period is booking train tickets—especially when IRCTC’s website or app crashes due to high demand during Tatkal booking hours.
But here’s the good news: you can now book same-day train tickets even without using the Tatkal service. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has made this process simpler for passengers by allowing real-time bookings through both its website and mobile application.
Let’s look at how you can secure a confirmed seat on the same day of travel without depending on Tatkal.
Log in to IRCTC Website or App
Begin by visiting the official IRCTC website (www.irctc.co.in) or by opening the IRCTC Rail Connect mobile app. Enter your user ID and password to log in.
Enter Travel Details
Fill in your departure and destination stations, and select the current date as your travel date. Ensure that you choose the same day if you’re planning immediate travel.
Choose the Train and Class
Once you click ‘Submit’, you’ll see a list of all available trains running on your selected route. Click on your preferred train name and select your class of travel—such as Sleeper (SL), 3AC, or 2AC.
Check Seat Availability
The system will display the availability of seats in real time. If seats are open, you’ll see a “Book Now” option. Click it to proceed. If no seats are available, you can explore other classes or alternative trains on the same route.
Enter Passenger Details
Provide passenger information such as name, age, gender, and berth preference (lower, upper, or side berth). For senior citizens, make sure to check the “Senior Citizen” option to automatically apply eligible concessions.
Make Secure Payment
Proceed to the payment page. You can pay through UPI, debit/credit cards, net banking, or wallets. Once the payment is complete, you’ll receive your e-ticket confirmation instantly via SMS and email.
If you prefer offline booking, you can also visit the nearest Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counter at your local railway station. Sometimes, due to heavy online traffic, getting a ticket at the counter might be quicker and more convenient—especially for same-day travel during the festive rush.
Book early in the day: The earlier you check seat availability, the better your chances of getting a confirmed seat.
Be flexible: If you don’t find seats on your preferred train, try other classes or nearby routes.
Use UPI for faster payments: UPI ensures quick and seamless payment during high-traffic hours.
Avoid peak Tatkal timing: You can often find last-minute seats in non-Tatkal quotas like Premium Tatkal, Ladies quota, or Divyang quota.
Stay logged in: During peak hours, IRCTC may log out inactive users automatically, so stay ready when booking.
This move by IRCTC provides much-needed relief to travelers who face frustration during the high-demand Tatkal window. During festivals like Diwali and Chhath, trains are packed, and securing a seat becomes a race against time. With same-day booking available without Tatkal, passengers can now enjoy greater flexibility and less stress.
According to railway officials, this update aims to decongest Tatkal servers and offer real-time ticketing opportunities to those who plan spontaneous travel. The initiative also aligns with IRCTC’s goal to make digital ticketing faster, smoother, and more accessible.
Traveling home during Diwali or Chhath should be about excitement—not anxiety. With IRCTC’s latest same-day booking feature, passengers can now reserve tickets without relying on the often unpredictable Tatkal system.
So, whether you’re heading home for the celebrations or returning after the holidays, remember—a confirmed seat is just a few clicks away. Plan smartly, book early, and enjoy a stress-free festive journey with Indian Railways.
Disclaimer: The above information is based on official IRCTC updates as of October 2025. Travelers are advised to check the latest rules and seat availability on the IRCTC website or mobile app before booking.
