Tatkal Ticket Booking: How To Book Tatkal Tickets Online Ahead Of Diwali, Chhath Puja Rush

Tatkal Ticket Booking: Ahead of festivals such as Diwali and Chhath Puja, Indian Railways is witnessing a surge in passenger demand. With trains filling up quickly, people planning to travel home for the festivities may struggle to secure confirmed tickets.

Passengers who have not booked their tickets in advance can opt for the Tatkal quota. However, since the number of seats is limited and bookings can fill up within minutes, knowing the booking timings, rules and process in advance can improve your chances of securing a ticket.

Here is everything you need to know about booking Tatkal train tickets online through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).

What Is Tatkal Ticket Booking? Check Timings

Indian Railways offers a limited number of seats under the Tatkal quota for passengers who need to make last-minute travel arrangements. Tatkal bookings open one day before the train's scheduled departure from its originating station, excluding the date of travel.

Tatkal booking opens one day before the train's departure date from its originating station. The timings differ depending on the class of travel.

- AC classes: 10 am onwards

- Sleeper and other non- AC classes: 11 am onwards

For example, if a train is scheduled to depart from its originating station on October 30, Tatkal bookings will open on October 29.

ALSO READ: Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Sleeper Likely To Launch On Oct 31: Check Routes, Time, Ticket Price And Booking Process

Tatkal Train Ticket Bookings Guide: How To Book Tickets Online Through IRCTC

Passengers can book Tatkal tickets through the IRCTC website or mobile app by following these steps:

1. Log in to your account on the IRCTC website or mobile app.

2. Enter your travel date, source and destination stations, and preferred train.

3. Select the train and class of travel, then choose the Tatkal quota.

4. Check seat availability and proceed with the booking.

5. Enter the passengers' names, ages and other required details.

6. Choose an available payment method and complete the transaction.

7. Once the booking is complete, check the PNR number and ticket status.

Since seats can sell out quickly during the festive season, passengers should log in before bookings open and keep the required passenger details ready to avoid delays.

Is Aadhaar Authentication Mandatory for Tatkal Tickets?

Aadhaar authentication requirements apply to Tatkal bookings through IRCTC, subject to the applicable rules. Passengers should ensure their accounts are authenticated in advance to avoid last-minute difficulties.

Indian Railways has also imposed restrictions on authorised agents during the initial Tatkal booking period. Agents cannot book Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of the booking window:

- AC classes: 10 am to 10:30 am

- Non-AC classes: 11 am to 11:30 am

These restrictions are intended to give individual passengers an opportunity to book tickets during the initial booking period.

ALSO READ: Delhi-Patna Vande Bharat Special For Diwali, Chhath Rush To Begin Operation From Oct 24: Check Timings, Routes

Some Important Rules to Know Before Booking Tatkal Tickets

Before booking a Tatkal ticket, passengers should keep the following rules in mind:

- A maximum of four passengers can be booked on a single PNR under the online Tatkal e-ticket facility.

- Tatkal tickets cost more than regular tickets because a separate Tatkal charge applies. The amount varies by class.

- Confirmed Tatkal tickets generally do not qualify for a refund on cancellation, except in specified circumstances under railway rules.

- The Tatkal quota may not be available on every train, route or class.

- Booking as soon as the window opens does not guarantee a ticket, as the number of seats is limited.