How to Book Special Train Tickets: Special trains play a crucial role in handling peak travel demand during festivals, holidays, and large-scale tourism seasons in India. Whether it’s Pongal, Diwali and Holi festival specials, long-weekend holiday trains, or premium tourist services like Bharat Gaurav, Indian Railways offers multiple official ways to book special train tickets in 2026.
What Are Special Trains in Indian Railways?
Special trains are additional services introduced to manage high passenger demand. These include:
- Festival Special Trains (Diwali, Holi, Puja, Urs, etc.)
- Holiday Special Trains (summer vacations, long weekends)
- Tourist Trains (Bharat Gaurav, Buddhist Circuit, pilgrimage routes)
- Special Fare Trains (with dynamic or higher fares)
Most special trains carry train numbers starting with “0”, making them easy to identify on booking platforms.
Special Train Ticket Price
| Class | Approx Ticket Price Range |
|---|---|
| Sleeper (SL) | ₹350 – ₹900 |
| AC 3 Tier (3A) | ₹900 – ₹2,000 |
| AC 2 Tier (2A) | ₹1,300 – ₹3,000 |
| AC First Class (1A) | ₹2,500 – ₹5,500 |
| Chair Car (CC) | ₹400 – ₹1,200 |
Note:
- Special & festival trains may have special fares, slightly higher than regular trains.
- Final ticket price depends on distance, demand, train type, and date of travel.
- Check IRCTC for exact fares before booking.
How to Book Special Train Tickets in India
| Booking Method | Best For | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| IRCTC Official Website & App | Festival & holiday special trains | Log in with IRCTC ID, search trains marked Special (train number usually starts with “0”), choose class (SL, 3A, 2A, 1A, CC), and pay via UPI, net banking, or cards. Most special trains are released here first. |
| IRCTC Tourism Portal | Tourist & pilgrimage trains | Used for Bharat Gaurav, Buddhist Circuit, and heritage routes. Booked as all-inclusive packages covering train travel, accommodation, meals, and sightseeing. Ideal for families and senior citizens. |
| Authorized Travel Apps | Easy mobile booking & comparisons | Platforms like ConfirmTkt, ixigo, Paytm, MakeMyTrip, and Goibibo. A valid IRCTC login is mandatory as bookings are processed through IRCTC systems. |
Offline Booking Options
PRS Counters at Railway Stations
Passengers preferring offline booking can visit computerized PRS counters at major stations.
Process:
- Fill out a reservation form
- Provide journey and passenger details
- Make payment at the counter
This method is helpful for senior citizens and passengers without internet access.
Important Rules for Special Trains in 2026
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Advance Reservation Period (ARP) | Standard booking opens 60 days in advance (excluding journey date). Some special trains may have different booking windows. |
| Aadhaar Linking | Aadhaar-verified IRCTC users can book up to 24 tickets per month; mandatory for Tatkal bookings. |
| Tatkal Booking | Available on selected special trains. AC classes: 10:00 AM; Non-AC classes: 11:00 AM (one day before departure). |
How to Book a Full Special Train (Group Booking)
Indian Railways allows chartering a full special train for large groups such as pilgrimages, corporate tours, or social events.
Eligibility Criteria
- Minimum distance: 500 km
- Minimum composition: 18 coaches
Application Process
- Submit an application to the Chief Passenger Transportation Manager
- Route through the Station Manager of the originating station
- Mention destination, route, halts, and travel plan
Timeline
- Apply at least 30 days in advance
- Not earlier than 6 months before the journey
Security Deposit
- ₹50,000 per coach (refundable, subject to conditions)
Charges Include
- Fare based on distance
- Service & detention charges
- Empty haulage charges
- Applicable taxes for AC / First Class coaches
Full payment must be completed at least 48 hours before departure.
Refund Rules for Chartered Special Trains
- Security deposit refunded after tour completion
- Journey documents must be submitted within 15 days
- 50% refund allowed if submitted within 6 months (with approval)
- No refund if original documents are lost or not submitted
Safety & Passenger Compensation
Indian Railways provides compensation under the Railways Act, 1989 for accidents and untoward incidents.
Ex-Gratia Relief (Indicative)
- Death: ₹15,000 (immediate relief)
- Simple injury: ₹500
- Grievous injury: Weekly compensation during hospitalization
Statutory Compensation
- Death or permanent disability: ₹4 lakh
- Injury compensation: ₹32,000 to ₹3.60 lakh (based on severity)
Claims must be filed before the Railway Claims Tribunal.
Why Special Trains Are Important
Special trains:
- Reduce waiting lists during peak seasons
- Improve connectivity to remote and festival-centric regions
- Support tourism and pilgrimage travel
- Offer flexible scheduling during demand surges
For passengers, staying alert to IRCTC announcements is the best way to secure confirmed tickets.
Most Used Trains for Pongal Celebration Travel
| Train Type | Popular Route |
|---|---|
| Festival Special Trains | Chennai → Madurai / Tirunelveli / Coimbatore |
| Superfast Specials | Chennai → Trichy / Salem / Erode |
| Express Special Trains | Bengaluru → Chennai / Coimbatore |
| AC Special Trains | Chennai → Nagercoil / Kanyakumari |
| Passenger / MEMU Specials | Chennai ↔ Villupuram / Vellore |
FAQs
Q1. What are Pongal special trains?
Pongal special trains are additional services introduced by Indian Railways during the Pongal festival to manage heavy passenger demand, especially across Tamil Nadu routes.
Q2. When are Pongal special trains announced?
Pongal special trains are usually announced 2 to 4 weeks before the festival, depending on passenger demand and operational readiness.
Q3. Where can I book Pongal special train tickets?
Tickets can be booked through the IRCTC website or Rail Connect app, authorized travel apps, and at PRS counters in railway stations.
Q4. How do I identify a Pongal special train on IRCTC?
Most Pongal special trains have train numbers starting with “0” and are marked as Special or Festival Special on IRCTC.
Q5. Are ticket prices higher for Pongal special trains?
Yes, some Pongal special trains operate with special fares, which may be slightly higher than regular express trains.
Q6. Is Tatkal booking available for Pongal special trains?
Tatkal is available only on selected Pongal special trains, subject to Indian Railways notifications and availability.
Q7. Which routes are most crowded during Pongal?
Chennai–Madurai, Chennai–Tirunelveli, Chennai–Coimbatore, Chennai–Trichy, and Bengaluru–Chennai routes are among the busiest.
Q8. Can I book Pongal special trains using mobile apps?
Yes, apps like ConfirmTkt, ixigo, Paytm, MakeMyTrip, and Goibibo allow bookings, but a valid IRCTC login is mandatory.
Q9. Do Pongal special trains run both directions?
Yes, Indian Railways usually operates to-and-fro services to manage passenger flow before and after Pongal.
Q10. What is the best time to book Pongal train tickets?
Booking as soon as tickets are released on IRCTC gives the highest chance of confirmation, as Pongal is one of the busiest travel seasons.
About The Author
