IRCTC Clarifies: Online Ticket Booking Delays Not a Shutdown
IRCTC clarifies that its online reservation portal remained operational despite reports of delays during the festive rush.

Addressing recent reports of IRCTC online booking delays, the organization has clarified that its reservation portal remained fully operational throughout the festive rush. The clarification comes after passengers reported difficulties in securing tickets on the morning of November 10.
The Impact of Festive Rush
IRCTC explained that the issues experienced by some users were not due to a system failure but were caused by an immense surge in traffic. During major festivals like Diwali and Chhath Puja, millions of passengers attempt to book their journeys at the same time, creating heavy pressure on the digital infrastructure.
This sudden spike in demand often results in:
- Delayed logins for users.
- Temporary difficulties during the booking process.
- High traffic congestion on the website and mobile application.
The organization emphasized that these were temporary inconveniences and did not constitute a complete shutdown of the reservation system.
Debunking Social Media Rumors
The statement also addressed misleading information and screenshots being circulated on social media. Some posts claimed that the entire ticket booking system was down between 10:00 AM and 10:40 AM on November 10.
IRCTC has noted these claims and clarified that they do not reflect the actual operational status of the services.
Currently, all online ticket booking services across all channels are functioning normally.
Strengthening Digital Services
With nearly 89% of reserved railway tickets now being booked online, IRCTC is focused on enhancing its technical capabilities. The organization is continuously working to upgrade its website and mobile applications to ensure a smooth, secure, and reliable experience for the millions of passengers who depend on it every day.
Regular technological improvements are being implemented to strengthen the system and better manage the increasing demand during peak periods and festive seasons.