Booking a Tatkal ticket on IRCTC has become a daily digital struggle for Indian travellers, especially those needing last-minute tickets. Every day at 10 AM, thousands log in, only to see the site freeze, crash, or show tickets disappearing in seconds. Though this chaotic ritual has become an online joke, it causes real stress for emergency travellers.
Dr. Velumani Suggests Load-Staggering Solution as Frustration Grows
Prominent voices have begun speaking out against the system’s inefficiency. Dr. A. Velumani, founder of Thyrocare, recently highlighted the issue by sharing a viral post that detailed the breakdown of Tatkal booking. He described the experience as “shocking” and possibly a “betrayal.” He also offered a potential solution, referencing how Thyrocare had once faced server overloads. Instead of investing in costly infrastructure, they staggered user access to balance load. Velumani suggested IRCTC adopt a similar model—releasing only a fraction of trains for booking every hour to prevent crashes and delays.
While his suggestion sparked discussion, social media users offered their own insights. Many compared the booking process to a lottery, blaming bots and automated systems used by agents for snatching up tickets before ordinary users even load the page. This raised concerns about systemic loopholes that give certain users an unfair advantage.
Survey Reveals Tatkal Booking Woes: 73% Waitlisted in First Minute, Trust in IRCTC Drops
A recent LocalCircles survey, cited by Business Standard, confirmed that the Tatkal system fails for most. Conducted between April and May 2025 across 396 districts and involving over 55,000 participants, the survey revealed that 73% of users were waitlisted within the first minute of attempting to book. Only 10% said they succeeded every time, while 29% rarely succeeded, and another 29% never did. With just 40% trusting the official online method, many resort to agents, railway stations, or even influential contacts to secure tickets.
The findings suggest that without reform, Tatkal booking will remain a frustrating gamble rather than a reliable option.
Summary:
Booking Tatkal tickets on IRCTC has become a chaotic and unreliable experience, with 73% of users waitlisted within a minute. Dr. A. Velumani proposed a load-staggering solution to ease server pressure. A nationwide survey shows declining trust, as many users now turn to agents or alternative methods for urgent travel.
