Patna: Train passengers trying to book tickets for Diwali and Chhath travel have reported difficulties on the IRCTC website and mobile app, with complaints of slow loading, failed booking attempts and error messages during peak morning hours.
The problems have been reported as advance reservations for the festive season open, with passengers across several routes competing for a limited number of seats. Recent reports have also highlighted a sharp increase in railway ticket bookings during the festival travel period.
Passengers Report ‘High Load’ and Booking Errors
Several passengers took to social media to complain that the IRCTC website and app became difficult to access around the morning booking window.
Users reported messages such as “Unable to Process Request” and described repeated attempts to book tickets without success. Some passengers claimed that tickets moved to the waiting list within minutes, while others reported difficulties completing payments or confirming reservations.
Similar complaints have also been reported on the RailOne app and the newer beta version of the IRCTC website.
Diwali Travel Demand Adds to Booking Pressure
The technical complaints come at a time when demand for train tickets is exceptionally high because of the upcoming Diwali and Chhath festivals.
The first few minutes after the reservation window opens typically see the heaviest traffic, as thousands of passengers simultaneously attempt to secure confirmed berths. IRCTC has said its systems have been upgraded to handle the festive rush, with recent reporting indicating that the platform managed around 20 lakh ticket bookings in a single day.
Despite the increased capacity, passengers have continued to report problems during periods of concentrated demand.
Tickets Disappear Within Minutes on Popular Routes
The rush is particularly intense on trains connecting major cities with Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and other states where large numbers of migrant workers and families travel home during Diwali and Chhath.
On several popular routes, passengers have reported seeing waiting-list or “Regret” status shortly after reservations opened, leaving limited options for those seeking confirmed tickets.
The situation has added to concerns among passengers planning journeys several weeks in advance.
New IRCTC Website Also Faces User Complaints
The booking difficulties have also renewed scrutiny of IRCTC’s recently upgraded website.
The new platform was introduced with the aim of improving the booking experience and handling higher traffic. However, some users have complained that they continue to face loading problems and booking failures during peak hours.
Reports have also pointed to complaints affecting both the website and mobile application, suggesting that the problem is not limited to a single access platform.
Railways Booking System Handles Record Demand
The latest booking rush highlights the growing dependence on online reservations for railway travel.
Recent reports said IRCTC recorded more than 20 lakh ticket bookings in a single day during the festive reservation period, while online bookings account for a large majority of railway reservations. The first 15 minutes after reservations open remain particularly challenging because of the concentration of users attempting to book simultaneously.
What Passengers Can Do to Improve Their Chances
Passengers planning Diwali and Chhath journeys can take a few precautions before the reservation window opens.
They should complete Aadhaar verification where required, prepare their passenger details in advance and log in before the booking window begins. Keeping alternative trains and travel dates ready can also improve the chances of securing a confirmed ticket.
Passengers can also check festival special trains and the VIKALP option if their preferred train is unavailable.
IRCTC Yet to Give Detailed Explanation for Complaints
While passengers have reported technical problems and high-load errors, the latest reports indicate that IRCTC had not issued a detailed public explanation specifically addressing the complaints at the time of reporting.
With Diwali and Chhath travel expected to generate further demand, passengers are likely to continue facing intense competition for confirmed berths on popular Bihar-bound routes.
