Advance reservations for express train travel during the Diwali festival period continued to witness heavy demand on the third day, with passengers reporting that tickets on several trains were sold out within minutes of bookings opening on September 8. Reservations began at 8 a.m., but passengers alleged that server-related problems delayed the booking process, while many applicants found themselves placed directly on waiting lists.
Diwali Travel Reservation Status
Express trains, Diwali passengers, advance reservation services, online ticket booking
Tickets reportedly sold out within minutes, waiting lists issued to many passengers, growing frustration among travellers
Heavy festive travel demand, alleged server delays, intense competition for confirmed railway tickets
September 8 reservations covered November 7 travel, advance booking for subsequent travel dates continues
Demand for railway tickets has increased sharply as passengers prepare to travel to their hometowns for the Diwali festival. Advance reservations for travel on November 5 opened on September 6, followed by bookings for November 6 travel on September 7.
On the third day, September 8, reservations opened at 8 a.m. for passengers planning to travel on November 7. However, many travellers reported that confirmed tickets on several major train services were unavailable shortly after the booking process began. A number of passengers subsequently received waiting-list status instead of confirmed reservations.
Passengers also complained of delays allegedly caused by server-related issues affecting the reservation process. Some travellers said they faced difficulties completing their bookings even after attempting to access the reservation service soon after it opened.
The schedule for subsequent Diwali travel reservations has also been announced. Booking for travel on November 8 is scheduled for September 9, while reservations for November 9 travel will open on September 10.
Advance reservations for the return journey after the festival are also scheduled to continue. Passengers planning to travel back for work or school on November 10 and November 11 can make reservations on September 11 and September 12, respectively.
With demand for festival-period travel remaining extremely high, the rapid exhaustion of available tickets has caused disappointment among passengers seeking confirmed berths. Travellers who were unable to secure tickets are now facing the possibility of waiting lists or having to explore alternative travel arrangements.
The reported server problems have further added to passenger frustration, although the source information does not provide an official explanation regarding the alleged technical delays.
Passengers are advised to closely follow the announced reservation schedule and plan their bookings early, as demand for Diwali-period train travel is expected to remain high.
