Festive Travel Rush Begins: When Should You Book Train Tickets Under 60-Day Rule?
Pune Division To Run Special Train Between Rewa and Hadapsar For Festive Season
With Durga Puja, Diwali and Chhath approaching, train travel demand is soaring across India. For millions heading home, securing a confirmed train ticket has already become a challenge, especially with the 60-day advance booking rule now in place.
The festive season in India traditionally sees a massive rush as families reunite. Tickets often sell out within hours of opening, leaving many passengers scrambling for alternatives. Last year, Indian Railways reduced the advance reservation period from 120 to 60 days, making timely planning more important than ever.
Under the current system, tickets can be booked 60 days before the date of travel (excluding the day of journey). For trains that arrive at intermediate stations the next day, reservations open 61 days in advance. Some intercity day trains follow a shorter booking window. For example, passengers planning to travel on October 19, 2025, are eligible to book their tickets starting August 20, 2025, at 8 am on the IRCTC website.
Travel experts warn that waiting even a day can reduce the chances of getting a confirmed seat. The safest strategy is to log in on the very first day tickets are released for your preferred journey. Demand is especially high for sleeper class, 3AC and 2AC coaches during the festive season.
For those unable to secure a confirmed ticket in advance, options such as Tatkal booking remain, though they come with higher fares and no guarantee of availability. Passengers may also explore nearby stations or connecting trains, but with buses and flights also witnessing fare hikes around festivals, advance planning is key.
In short, the rule of thumb for this season is clear: if your travel dates are fixed, book your train tickets the moment the 60-day window opens. This remains the surest way to avoid waitlists and last-minute hassles during the festival rush.
