Trying to get on a full Indian Railways train - any strategies?

Trying to get on a full Indian Railways train - any strategies? - Side view of young Asian guys walking on platform painted with white and red stripes along shabby stone building with striped white and red roof on daytime

I tried going to the travel agent today to book a Tatkal ticket for tomorrow, but was told it would be impossible, the agent didn't even try to look on the computer. I'd like to get on a train leaving tomorrow and am willing to pay multiples of the quoted ticket price.

Is this even possible in India? Are there websites or phone numbers I can call to find a ticket?



Best Answer

When the train is full i.e even getting a tatkal ticket is not possible then there is only one option of boarding the train and that is the general compartment ticket. It might turn out to be the worst travelling experience for you as apparently there are no limits for the number of people travelling in general but that also depends on the train and the place you are travelling to. At times it will be fine for short journeys, but longer travelling time will just add to the misery. General ticket can be bought from the station where you are going to board the train.




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How can I increase my journey in Indian Railway?

Yes, Indian Railways allow extension of journey. This can be done by approaching the ticket checking staff either before reaching your destination or after completion of booked journey. The fare for the extended portion of the journey will be collected without the benefit of telescopic rates.

What is the rule of break journey in Indian Railway?

Only one break-journey will be permitted on tickets upto 1000 kms. and maximum two break-journeys will be allowed on tickets of longer distances. The period of break-journey that can be availed at a station will be upto a maximum of 2 days only excluding the day of arrival and the day of departure of the train.

Which class is best for train?

For shorter day trips, AC Chair Car is usually the best option, although if you have a lot of luggage it can get tricky. If you have lots of luggage, go with AC 2 Tier or 3 Tier or First Class AC even for short distances.

Who is called the father of Indian Railways?

Lord Dalhousie is known as the Father of Indian Railways.



I Spent 30 HOURS on an Indian Sleeper Train. It was BRUTAL




More answers regarding trying to get on a full Indian Railways train - any strategies?

Answer 2

If you are a foreign tourist, you can use the foreign tourist quota which reserves a small number of seats on each train. This quota is separate from the normal quotas and may be available even on a train which is nominally full.

The catch is you must be a foreign national on a tourist visa to use the quota, and you can only purchase the tickets at major railway stations in India - you can't purchase them online or via an agent. Check online to see if the nearest railway station has a foreign tourist quota office.

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Images: ritesh arya, Krishna Studio, Pixabay, Mark Plötz