On the morning of October 18, 2025, travelers preparing to head home for the Diwali and Chhath festivals encountered significant issues with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website and mobile application. Many passengers faced severe delays in booking their train tickets as the platforms slowed down considerably. As millions of users attempted to log in simultaneously, the servers were overwhelmed, causing the system to be unresponsive. This technical glitch left countless travelers frustrated and anxious about their travel plans.

The Surge in Traffic Leads to Disruption

The issue on the IRCTC platform was attributed to the high volume of users accessing the website at once. On a typical day, the IRCTC website experiences considerable traffic, but during peak festival seasons like Diwali and Chhath, the surge in demand for train tickets is much higher. Specifically, the Tatkal booking for AC classes opens at 10 a.m., while sleeper class bookings begin at 11 a.m. On Friday, October 18, this sudden rush of ticket seekers overwhelmed the servers, which resulted in the site crashing or becoming extremely slow. This congestion caused many users to experience difficulty in completing their bookings, leading to widespread frustration.

Patna District Severely Affected by Website Glitches

In Patna, a major hub for train travel, the situation was particularly chaotic. Typically, Patna handles around 6,000 ticket bookings per day, but on this day, the system was severely disrupted. Local residents trying to book tickets for the much-awaited Diwali and Chhath festivals found themselves unable to access the IRCTC website or mobile app. Passengers who were eager to secure their travel tickets in advance found themselves at a standstill, not knowing when the website would become functional again.

Efforts to Resolve the Issue and Assist Travelers

To mitigate the inconvenience caused to passengers, railway officials advised travelers to contact the helpline numbers provided by the IRCTC. The helplines included 14646, 08044647999, and 08035734999. Additionally, passengers were encouraged to email their complaints or issues to etickets@irctc.co.in. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, railway officials also suggested that travelers who were facing difficulties in booking online should visit railway counters directly. This would ensure they did not miss out on their travel plans or risk delays and cancellations.

In a statement, railway authorities assured passengers that measures were being taken to improve the system’s reliability. The officials stated that they were working to increase the server capacity and enhance the technology infrastructure to prevent such issues from occurring in the future. The goal was to ensure a smoother and more efficient booking process during the festive season, as millions of people travel across the country to celebrate.

Expert Tips for Booking Train Tickets During High Traffic Periods

According to experts, such technical glitches are common on booking websites during peak travel periods like Diwali and Chhath. Given the significant demand for train tickets during these festivals, it is always advisable for travelers to plan ahead. One of the primary suggestions was to book tickets well in advance to avoid last-minute rushes and website crashes. Additionally, experts recommended clearing browser caches before attempting to book tickets, as this can help with website loading times.

Another useful tip was to try booking tickets during less busy hours, if possible. By avoiding peak times when most people are online, travelers might be able to access the site more easily. Patience is especially needed when booking Tatkal tickets, which tend to be in high demand. If issues persist, the helplines can offer assistance and guide travelers through the process.

With Diwali and Chhath being among the busiest travel periods in India, the technical issues faced on the IRCTC platform are a reminder of the challenges posed by high demand during the festive season. Although the glitches caused considerable inconvenience, they also highlight the need for ongoing improvements to handle the growing volume of online ticket bookings.

The Indian Railways has already taken steps to improve the system by investing in better infrastructure and technology. This includes increasing server capacities to accommodate the high volume of users and reduce the chances of similar disruptions in the future. As the demand for train tickets continues to rise, especially during festivals, the aim is to ensure that passengers can book tickets seamlessly, without facing delays or technical setbacks.

In conclusion, while technical glitches on the IRCTC website and mobile app caused inconvenience to many passengers preparing for Diwali and Chhath, the railway authorities are working diligently to resolve these issues. Travelers are advised to plan their ticket bookings in advance, clear browser caches, and contact the helplines if they face issues. With these steps and ongoing improvements, the booking process is expected to become more efficient, ensuring that passengers can travel with ease during the festive season.