IRCTC Website Down: Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website faced a significant outage during the critical tatkal booking hours on Tuesday, leaving thousands of passengers unable to book tickets. The problem began around 10:25 am IST, with nearly 2,500 users reporting issues, as per the outage tracking platform Downdetector. Passengers across India expressed frustration as they faced disruptions during this high-demand period.


When users tried accessing the IRCTC platform, they encountered a message stating, "Due to maintenance activity, e-ticketing service will not be available. Please try later." ABP Live independently verified that the website was non-functional at the time.


The disruption triggered frustration on social media, with many passengers turning to X (formerly Twitter) to share their grievances. Complaints ranged from missed booking opportunities to delays in securing alternatives for urgent travel.


ALSO READ: Netizens Vent On X As IRCTC Goes Down


As of now, IRCTC has not issued a statement explaining the cause of the outage. To assist stranded passengers, IRCTC has shared customer support options. Users can contact the helpline numbers (14646, 08044647999, and 08035734999) or reach out via email at etickets@irctc.co.in.


IRCTC Alternatives To Book Train Tickets


If you’re affected by the IRCTC outage, several alternative platforms can help:



  • MakeMyTrip: This platform allows users to book train tickets, as well as flights and buses, often with discounts and seasonal deals.

  • RailYatri: A comprehensive travel solution offering real-time train updates, bookings, and journey planning features.

  • RedBus: Primarily a bus booking platform, RedBus also provides train ticket booking options as well.

  • Paytm: Known for its seamless ticketing services, Paytm also offers cashback deals, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious travellers.

  • ConfirmTkt: Ideal during high-demand periods, this app helps users find alternate routes, trains, and seats with confirmed booking options.


While IRCTC remains the primary platform for railway ticket bookings, outages like these highlight the need for robust backup options. By exploring alternative services, passengers can ensure uninterrupted travel planning, even during unforeseen technical glitches.