Only 4 in 10 train travellers trust online Tatkal booking on IRCTC, survey shows rising frustration

Only 4 in 10 train travellers believe that booking Tatkal railway tickets through the regular online process is the best way to secure a seat, according to a nationwide survey by LocalCircles. The findings point to growing frustration among passengers about the efficiency and transparency of the current Tatkal booking system.

The survey, which received over 55,000 responses from travellers across 396 districts, revealed that 7 in 10 respondents who faced difficulty in booking Tatkal tickets online in the last 12 months said all tickets were gone within the first minute of the booking window opening. Most ended up waitlisted, despite quick payment attempts.

Over 30% of surveyed travellers said they believed the best way to get a Tatkal ticket is through a travel agent, indicating a growing perception that third-party intermediaries are better positioned to navigate the booking process—despite the digital intent of the system.

Introduced in 1997 to help passengers with urgent travel plans, the Tatkal Reservation Scheme was expected to create an equitable, fast, and transparent ticketing system. Initially introduced in around 110 trains and limited mainly to Sleeper Class, the Tatkal scheme underwent a major revision in 2004. However, complaints suggest the experience is far from that. Several passengers reported on social media that the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website or app frequently crashes during Tatkal bookings, or that payments are deducted without confirmation. Some questioned whether automated bots and agents are able to game the system, disadvantaging the average user.

Such concerns are not new. In 2015, a similar outcry led to a Ministry of Railways probe that found agents and some railway staff were blocking seats under fake names and later changing the details. That loophole was eventually closed. Yet, many users believe such practices may have re-emerged in different forms.

Indian Railways has seen significant revenue from Tatkal and Premium Tatkal fares, earning over ₹13,700 crore from these ticket categories between 2018-19 and 2022-23. Premium fares now often cost up to three times the standard price, particularly on popular routes, further raising questions about accessibility and fairness.

With the summer travel season peaking, the difficulty in securing confirmed Tatkal seats has once again brought the spotlight on how inclusive and efficient the booking system really is.