Booking train tickets during the massive Diwali and Chhath festivals is a real battle, and the frequent downtime of the IRCTC website has become a major headache for millions of travelers. When the official portal faces technical glitches, online ticket booking can become a nightmare. But don’t worry! Amidst this chaos, several reliable alternatives can help you book tickets without any interruptions. Platforms like Paytm, ConfirmTkt, and RailYatri help you book tickets quickly, without waiting for the IRCTC server to recover. Let’s explore how these third-party apps can ensure a safe and successful journey.
These platforms are the ultimate companions when IRCTC is down
During festivals, when millions of travellers try to find seats simultaneously, the IRCTC server often comes under pressure. In such a situation, these alternative booking platforms offer tremendous convenience:
RailYatri
RailYatri isn’t just a booking app, but it also offers a variety of essential train-related services. You can access live train tracking, seat map visualization, and even train congestion. During IRCTC outages, the platform also allows you to connect with verified agents who can easily complete the booking process offline. This option prevents your travel plans from being derailed.
ConfirmTkt
If your favorite train is on the waitlist, ConfirmTkt is a miracle. This app accurately predicts the probability of your ticket being confirmed. It’s specifically designed to help travelers during busy booking hours. When direct booking options aren’t available on IRCTC, the app’s smart waitlist prediction engine also suggests connecting routes to ensure you reach your destination on time, which is extremely useful.
Paytm
Paytm is one of the most reliable platforms for booking train tickets, especially when IRCTC is down. You can easily check live train status, seat availability, and PNR confirmations using the Paytm app or website. Since it’s directly connected to IRCTC’s backend, all your confirmed tickets are valid and automatically synced as soon as the server comes back online. Paytm supports UPI, card, and wallet payments, and also offers instant refunds in case of a failed transaction, ensuring your money is safe.
What if a booking fails and your money gets stuck
It’s common for online ticket bookings to result in a refund being deducted, but the booking failing. Don’t panic in such a situation. Usually, the refund is automatically credited to your account within 3 to 5 days. Once the IRCTC system is back online, be sure to check your email or SMS. Sometimes, booking confirmations are delayed due to delayed payment updates.
Even if the IRCTC website is down due to the Diwali rush, there’s no need to cancel your travel plans. Trusted and secure third-party platforms like Paytm, ConfirmTkt, and RailYatri are the best options for booking train tickets online at this time. These options will keep your travel plans on track until IRCTC services are fully restored.
