📌 Bhola Tech Desk:
Traveling during festivals can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to securing train tickets for events like Chhath Puja. Every year, millions of people from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Surat, and Ahmedabad flock back to their hometowns, leading to fully booked trains and long waiting lists. However, with a few smart strategies and online tricks, you can significantly increase your chances of getting confirmed tickets even during peak travel times. Let’s dive into some effective methods to ensure you don’t miss out on celebrating Chhath Puja with your loved ones.
1. Book Your Chhath Puja Train Tickets on Time
Timing is everything when it comes to booking train tickets on the IRCTC platform. Here’s a quick breakdown of the booking timelines:
- General Reservation opens 120 days in advance.
- Tatkal AC tickets can be booked starting at 10 AM.
- Tatkal Sleeper tickets are available from 11 AM.
To maximize your chances, make sure you are logged in well before the booking time and ensure you have a stable internet connection. Using the mobile app or the IRCTC website can often be faster than other methods.
2. Use Auto Fill Tools for Speed 🔍
One of the most time-consuming aspects of booking tickets is entering your details like name, age, and address. To save time, consider using Auto Fill tools. Here are a couple of popular options:
- ConfirmTkt Autofill Extension (for Chrome)
- Magic Autofill (specifically for IRCTC)
These tools save your details, allowing you to simply click “Book Now” and speed up the process significantly.
3. Adopt an Alternate Route Strategy
If you find that tickets on your preferred route are sold out, consider taking a detour. For example:
- Instead of booking a direct train from Mumbai to Patna, try routes like Mumbai to Ara or Mumbai to Buxar.
- Similarly, routes like Delhi to Gorakhpur to Chapra or Surat to Varanasi to Patna can yield better results.
Tickets from intermediate stations often have a higher chance of confirmation, so don’t hesitate to explore these options.
4. Combine IRCTC with ConfirmTkt and Trainman
Using multiple apps can enhance your booking experience. Here’s how to effectively use them:
- IRCTC: For the actual booking process.
- ConfirmTkt: To find alternate routes.
- Trainman: To check the probability of your ticket getting confirmed.
If Trainman shows an 80% or higher chance of confirmation, it’s a good indicator that you should proceed with the booking.
5. Consider Premium Tatkal for Better Odds
While it may be a bit pricier, opting for Premium Tatkal tickets is one of the most reliable ways to secure a seat. These tickets are limited and tend to sell out quickly, so be ready to book as soon as they become available at 10 AM for AC and 11 AM for Sleeper classes.
6. Always Choose the Vikalp Option
When booking through IRCTC, make sure to enable the Vikalp option. This feature automatically assigns you a confirmed seat on an alternate train if your chosen train is fully booked. It’s a simple yet effective way to ensure you have a backup plan.
7. Keep an Eye on Festival Special Trains 📱
During Chhath Puja, Indian Railways often runs Festival Special Trains to cater to the increased demand. These trains typically operate on popular routes like Patna, Darbhanga, and Muzaffarpur. You can find information about these special trains on the NTES website or in the notifications section of the IRCTC app.
8. Extra Tips for Success
- Best Days to Book: Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to have better availability for tickets.
- Payment Methods: Use UPI or Netbanking for the fastest transactions.
- Prepare Your Wallet: Ensure your IRCTC wallet or UPI balance is ready before booking.
- Login Early: Aim to log in by 9:55 AM so you can click “Book” right at 10 AM.
Boost Your Chances of Getting Confirmed Tickets
If you’re planning to travel to Bihar for Chhath Puja, following these strategies can significantly enhance your chances of securing a confirmed ticket. With the right timing, a reliable internet connection, and a willingness to explore alternate routes, you can celebrate this auspicious festival without the stress of waiting lists. Jai Chhathi Maiya!
🗣️ What Bhola Tech has to say:
Traveling during festivals can be a real challenge, but with the right strategies, it doesn’t have to be. The tips shared here are not just theoretical; they are practical insights that can make a significant difference in your travel experience. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or someone who only makes the journey home during festivals, these tricks can help you navigate the often chaotic world of train bookings.
At Bhola Tech, we believe that technology should simplify our lives, and these tools and strategies do just that. By leveraging the power of apps and smart planning, you can ensure that your journey home is as smooth as possible. So, as you prepare for Chhath Puja, keep these tips in mind, and you might just find yourself enjoying the festivities with your family without the hassle of waiting lists. Happy travels!