The Reality of Special Trains
Every year, Indian Railways announces hundreds of 'festival special' trains to manage the enormous surge in passenger traffic during seasons like Diwali, Dussehra, and Chhath Puja. For 2026, services have been announced connecting major hubs like Mumbai,
Delhi, and Bengaluru to states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Kerala. While these trains provide much-needed capacity, they are not a silver bullet. Tickets for these services are also snapped up almost instantly, leaving countless travellers on the waitlist. Understanding that a special train is just another high-demand service, and not a guaranteed ride home, is the first step in building a resilient travel plan.
Backup Plan A: Master the Tatkal System
The Tatkal scheme is the default backup for many, designed for last-minute travel. Bookings open at 10 AM for AC classes and 11 AM for non-AC classes one day before the journey. Success, however, requires speed and preparation. Before the window opens, ensure your IRCTC account is active and authenticated with Aadhaar, as an OTP is often required. Have a master list of passengers ready to copy-paste, and pre-fill payment details. The odds are low, but being prepared gives you a fighting chance. Remember, if your Tatkal ticket remains waitlisted after the chart is prepared, it is automatically cancelled, and you'll need another plan.
Backup Plan B: Hit the Road by Bus
Do not underestimate the humble bus. India has a vast network of inter-state bus services, with both government-run and private operators stepping up during festivals. Private operators often run luxury Volvo, sleeper, and AC coaches on popular routes, offering a comfortable alternative to a crowded train compartment. Platforms like redBus, AbhiBus, and MakeMyTrip allow you to compare prices, check amenities, and book seats in advance. While a bus journey might take longer, it offers a high degree of certainty. A confirmed seat on a bus is far better than a waitlisted train ticket.
Backup Plan C: Consider the Sky
Flying is often dismissed as too expensive, especially during festival season when prices soar. However, with some flexibility, it can be a viable option. Instead of flying directly into a major city, look for flights to smaller, nearby airports and complete the journey by cab or bus. For example, travellers heading to destinations in western Uttar Pradesh could consider flying into Jaipur instead of Delhi. Booking a flight for a less popular travel day—such as the day of the festival itself—can also yield cheaper fares. Use flight comparison websites and set up price alerts well in advance to catch any potential dips.
Backup Plan D: The Rise of Carpooling
Technology has given us a powerful new tool for travel: carpooling. Apps like BlaBlaCar, sRide, and Quick Ride connect passengers with private car owners who are travelling on the same route. This can be a cost-effective and surprisingly efficient way to travel inter-city. Safety features like user verification, reviews, and women-only ride options have made these platforms more trustworthy. Carpooling offers flexibility that trains and buses cannot, often providing door-to-door convenience. It's an excellent option for solo travellers or small groups and is becoming an increasingly popular choice for navigating the festival rush.
Creative Planning and Breaking the Journey
If a direct route is unavailable, think like a logistics expert. Can you break your journey into two more manageable parts? It might be easier to find a ticket from Delhi to Lucknow, and then another from Lucknow to your final destination, rather than one direct ticket. This strategy requires more planning but significantly widens your options. Similarly, travelling a day or two before the peak rush begins, or even a day after the main festival day, can make a world of difference in ticket availability and travel comfort. Being flexible with your dates and your route is the ultimate backup plan.
