Diwali 2025 Train Booking Dates: ARP 60d, Tatkal & Specials

Diwali 2025 Train Tickets banner showing festive diyas, Vande Bharat train, and text highlighting ARP 60 days, Tatkal, and premium trains
2025 Festive Travel

Quick Answer: Indian Railways Advance Reservation Period (ARP) is 60 days (excluding the journey date). For the main Diwali day Monday, 20 October 2025, tickets opened on Thursday, 21 August 2025 at 08:00 IST. Tatkal opens one day before the journey — 10:00 AM (AC) and 11:00 AM (Non-AC).

Diwali Week 2025 — Booking Opening Table (60-Day ARP)

Use this handy table for the core festive window. All open at 08:00 IST on the “Booking Opens” date.

Journey Date (2025) Festival Context Booking Opens (08:00 IST) Typical Trains
Fri, 17 Oct Pre-rush Sun, 18 Aug Express, Vande Bharat
Sat, 18 Oct Dhanteras Mon, 19 Aug Express, Rajdhani
Sun, 19 Oct Chhoti Diwali Tue, 20 Aug Shatabdi, Express
Mon, 20 Oct Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) Thu, 21 Aug Vande Bharat, Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Express
Tue, 21 Oct Govardhan Puja Fri, 22 Aug Express & return legs
Wed, 22 Oct Bhai Dooj Sat, 23 Aug Express & return legs
Note: Most trains (including Vande Bharat, Rajdhani, Shatabdi) follow the 60-day ARP. A few specific day-time services may retain different limits per Railway Board instructions. Always check your train’s listing at the time of booking.

Tatkal & Premium Tatkal — Timing & Festive Rules

  • Tatkal opening: One day before the train’s origin date — 10:00 AM (AC), 11:00 AM (Non-AC). See our IRCTC Guide 2025.
  • Premium Tatkal: Often same opening window; fares are dynamic and seats limited.
  • Agents: Initial minutes may be restricted; also review IRCTC Agent Rules.
  • 2025 update: Aadhaar authentication windows for Tatkal were introduced in mid-2025. Follow the in-app prompts during 10:00–10:30 (AC) / 11:00–11:30 (Non-AC) if applicable.

Which Trains to Target?

Vande Bharat

Fastest daytime option on many corridors with limited seats. Check our Vande Bharat coverage.

Rajdhani

Overnight, fully air-conditioned, meals included on many routes. See Rajdhani Express posts.

Shatabdi

Premium day trains; great for regional festive hops. Explore Shatabdi tips.

Festival Special Trains

Railways generally announces Festival Specials 3–6 weeks before peak dates. Monitor announcements and book as soon as they appear — seats go fast.

Booking via IRCTC Rail Connect, RailOne & B2C (e.g., ConfirmTkt)

  • IRCTC Rail Connect (Official): Reliable booking, UPI/cards, master passenger list, and quick rebook tools.
  • RailOne app: Unified rail services with IRCTC-authorised reservation access; integrates multiple railway functions in one place.
  • B2C apps like ConfirmTkt: Useful for predictions, alternates, and quick payments. You still complete bookings through IRCTC rails; ensure your IRCTC login is ready.

Pro Booking Tips (Festive Rush)

  1. Be logged in 5–10 minutes before 08:00 on the opening day; keep UPI/card ready.
  2. Search alternates (nearby stations / flexible classes) to widen options.
  3. Use “Book Return” smartly for Oct 21–22 if doing short festive trips.
  4. For Tatkal, prepare passengers in “Master List” and use fast payment flows.
  5. Track new Festival Specials daily during October.

FAQ (English)

What is the Diwali train ticket opening date 2025?

For the main day 20 Oct 2025, tickets opened on 21 Aug 2025 at 08:00 IST (60-day ARP). Nearby dates open 60 days prior likewise.

Do Vande Bharat / Rajdhani / Shatabdi follow 60-day ARP?

Yes, most do. A few specific day-time services may have different limits per Railway Board instructions.

When does Tatkal open?

One day before the train’s origin date — 10:00 AM (AC) and 11:00 AM (Non-AC).

Will there be Festival Special trains?

Railways typically adds special services 3–6 weeks before Diwali. Watch our Festival Specials label.

Can I book via RailOne or ConfirmTkt?

Yes. They connect to IRCTC. Keep your IRCTC credentials handy; final booking happens through IRCTC rails.

FAQ (Hindi)

दिवाली 2025 के टिकट कब खुलेंगे?

मुख्य दिन 20 अक्टूबर 2025 की यात्रा के लिए टिकट 21 अगस्त 2025 सुबह 8 बजे खुले (60 दिन ARP)। आस-पास की तारीखें भी इसी नियम से खुलती हैं।

क्या वंदे भारत/राजधानी/शताब्दी पर भी 60-दिन ARP लागू है?

अधिकांश ट्रेनों पर हां। कुछ डे-टाइम सेवाओं पर अलग सीमा हो सकती है।

तत्काल बुकिंग कब शुरू होती है?

यात्रा से एक दिन पहले — AC 10:00 AM, Non-AC 11:00 AM

क्या फेस्टिवल स्पेशल ट्रेनें आएंगी?

आमतौर पर दिवाली से 3–6 हफ्ते पहले घोषित होती हैं। हमारे Festival Specials सेक्शन पर नज़र रखें।

क्या RailOne या ConfirmTkt से बुकिंग कर सकते हैं?

हां, ये IRCTC से जुड़कर बुकिंग करवाते हैं। IRCTC लॉगिन तैयार रखें।

Indian Railway News July 2025

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