As Diwali 2025 approaches, millions of Indian Railways ticket booking Diwali 2025 is the hottest topic for travelers planning this festive season journeys to reunite with family, explore heritage destinations, and celebrate key holidays. Indian Railways and IRCTC have responded to the massive seasonal demand by introducing major updates about Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters, online ticket booking, and festive special trains. This guide covers every vital detail about ticket reservations, PRS counter status, new booking rules, platform restrictions, and travel tips so you can plan your Diwali journey smoothly and securely.
Introduction: Diwali Rail Travel Surge and IRCTC Challenges
Diwali is the busiest season for Indian Railways, with passenger traffic peaking countrywide. As families, professionals, and students book tickets in record numbers, the IRCTC reservation website experiences surges and occasional slowdowns. Station PRS counters see long queues, and railway authorities face an ongoing challenge to allocate seats safely and fairly. In response, Northern Railway and IRCTC announced strategic adjustments to both digital and physical reservation systems for October 2025, especially in Delhi-NCR and major metros.
PRS Counter Closures and Timing Updates
Northern Railway has published an updated list of PRS counter sites in Delhi-NCR affected by Diwali holiday closures:
- Anand Vihar Terminal, Noli, Saket Court, Dwarka Court, Government offices, Parliament House, Railway Board, Supreme Court, Press Club of India.
- These counters are closed either partially (closing early as 6 PM, or temporarily shut from 2 PM to 8 PM) or for the whole day on October 20, 2025.
Passengers planning to book tickets in person should always check counter operating hours on their intended travel date. Closure policies are designed to both enable railway staff to observe the festival and to control crowds, reducing the risk of stampedes and congestion during peak travel.
Online Booking: IRCTC Website and App Functionality
While in-person counters face partial or full closure, IRCTC’s online ticket booking remains fully available for passengers nationwide. Whether booking reserved seats for express trains, checking real-time availability, or printing e-tickets, all essential services can be accessed via:
- Official IRCTC Portal
- IRCTC Mobile App (available for Android and iOS)
IRCTC recommends using Aadhaar authentication and keeping your registered email and phone up-to-date for a smoother booking experience. Online bookings help avoid station queues, are accessible 24/7, and provide instant confirmation.
Indian Railways Ticket Booking Diwali 2025 New Rules & Updates : Aadhaar, Tatkal, and Security
To improve fairness and block bulk purchases by touts, IRCTC introduced these updated rules in October 2025:
- For general ticket bookings (first 15 minutes window), only Aadhaar-authenticated users can reserve seats.
- Tatkal tickets require Aadhaar linkage, with additional OTP authentication for all bookings starting July 2025.
- Bookings at PRS counters and online are subject to real-time ID verification and stricter limits on the number of tickets per user.
These policies ensure fair distribution, prioritize genuine passengers, and block fraudulent bulk purchasing.
Special Trains: Festive Additions to Manage Extra Demand
Recognizing surges in Diwali and Chhath Puja passengers, Indian Railways has flagged off numerous special and high-capacity trains. These include extra services across popular routes, expanded berth allocations, and additional daily operating times. Travelers are advised to check:
- Current Special Train List
- IRCTC schedule updates
Booking early for these festive trains improves the chances of confirmed accommodation.
Platform Ticket Sales: Safety Measures and Restrictions
From October 15 to October 28, 2025, Indian Railways is suspending platform ticket sales at major stations in Delhi, Mumbai, and other metros. Only reserved ticket holders can enter station premises, a vital move to regulate crowds and ensure passenger safety under the highest demand conditions.
Station managers report lower congestion, improved safety, and faster boarding when platform sales are suspended during holiday travel peaks.
Advanced and Same-Day Reservations: Key Strategies
Passengers can book tickets 60 days in advance using IRCTC or at available PRS counters. For last-minute needs, Tatkal and emergency quotas remain popular during Diwali:
- Always check updated counter timings before physical visits.
- Prefer online or app bookings for flexibility, speed, and instant confirmation.
- Confirm Aadhaar linkage for priority window access and quicker seat assignment.
Parcel Transactions and On-Ground Controls
In addition to ticketing strategies, special controls are imposed on parcel transactions at Delhi’s major stations. Leased luggage operations, departmental bookings, and most parcel transactions are banned from October 20–26, 2025 to ensure clear platforms and passenger safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are PRS counters closed every Diwali?
Partial and full closures occur seasonally to cover staff holidays while managing crowds.
Is IRCTC online ticketing available during Diwali?
Yes. E-ticketing is live 24/7 regardless of station closures.
Can Tatkal be booked at PRS counters during closures?
Check specific station timing; online remains recommended.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for all bookings?
Yes, for the initial window and Tatkal since July 2025.
How do I get ticket refunds?
Online refunds are automatic; physical ticket refunds require visiting counters when open.
Pro Tips for Diwali Rail Travel
- Check PRS counter timings online before heading to stations in Delhi-NCR.
- Book festive special trains early.
- Use IRCTC’s site or app for uninterrupted service and instant e-tickets.
- Ensure your profile and tickets are Aadhaar-linked for smooth reservations.
- Travel with valid ID; keep M-ticket for eco-friendly and digital convenience.
- Keep up with platform and parcel sale restrictions to avoid last-minute issues.
Conclusion
As Diwali 2025 approaches, Indian Railways and IRCTC have improved strategies to help passengers book tickets and travel safely. Whether you choose in-person PRS counters or IRCTC’s robust online system, understanding these updated policies is key to a successful festive journey.
Seasonal ticketing innovations—like Aadhaar-authenticated reservation windows, Tatkal security, and expanded special trains—coordinate with on-ground controls, including counter closures and platform ticket bans, to ensure efficiency and safety. With proactive planning, quick bookings, and compliance with government guidelines, India’s rail travelers can celebrate Diwali worry-free and reach loved ones in time for the festivities.
To learn more about train travel upgrades, read our guide on Indian Railways Launches Seven New Trains for Bihar – Enhancing Connectivity and Sustainability