How to Book Special Train Tickets on IRCTC Booking special train tickets in India can seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be! This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about booking special trains on the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website.
What is a Special Train?
A special train is a train charter booked for a specific purpose outside of the normal train schedule. The Indian Railways allows passengers to charter entire trains for group travel over long distances. To book a special train, you need a minimum of 18 coaches and must travel at least 500 kilometers.
Special trains operate on the same rail network as regular passenger trains. However, they follow a customized schedule and route based on the charter booking. They stop only at predetermined stations mentioned during the booking.
Why Book a Special Train?
Here are some key reasons to book a special train for your group journey:
- Customized schedule and stops: Special trains stop only at stations you specify during booking. This allows efficient point-to-point travel.
- Group travel: Special trains are ideal for travelling in large groups of more than 500 people. You can customize the train capacity as per your group size.
- Enhanced comfort: You may request additional amenities and upgrades during special train booking. The entire train is reserved solely for your group.
- Privacy: It’s just your group travelling on the train. This allows more privacy than regular trains.
- Special occasions: Many book special trains for events like conferences, weddings, pilgrimages etc. The train can be decorated to suit the occasion.
How to Book a Special Train on IRCTC
Follow this step-by-step process to charter and book a special train using the IRCTC portal:
- Special Train Eligibility First, ensure your group meets the eligibility criteria for booking a special train:
- Minimum 500 kilometer journey
- Minimum 18 coaches required
- Minimum 500 passengers
- Submit Booking Application Next, submit a special train booking application at least 30 days in advance of your travel date. The application format is available for download on IRCTC.
Provide the following details in the application form:
- Origin and destination station
- Travel date, time and schedule
- Route and stoppages
- Number of passengers
- Contact details
Submit one printed copy of the filled application format at your originating train station. The station manager will process the request.
- Receive Quote and Confirmation Within 5 days of applying, IRCTC will send you a special train booking quote via email or post.
The quote will contain the train fare, service charges and security deposit for all coaches as per your application.
If you agree with the quote, confirm your special train booking by submitting payment as directed in the quote.
- Make Payment There are 2 payment components for special trains:
Security Deposit:
- Rs. 50,000 per extra coach
- Refundable on timely train cancellation or completion of journey
Train Fare and Charges:
- Train fare as quoted
- Catering, service charge, taxes etc.
You need to pay at least 50% of the total amount as advance to confirm your booking. The remaining payment must be made 48 hours before the scheduled departure.
Make payments via Demand Draft, online transfer or direct deposit at the originating station.
- Journey and Refunds Your special train will operate as per the scheduled route, stops and time mentioned in the booking confirmation.
To receive your full security deposit refund, submit your booking dossier within 15 days of journey completion to the originating station manager.
Partial refunds are available on late dossier submission or train delays and cancellations depending on terms and conditions.
Special Train Booking Charges and Rules While planning your special train, also consider the following booking rules and additional charges:
- Special trains cannot be booked for less than 18 coaches.
- Maximum composition allowed is 24 coaches.
- Special trains receive priority over other trains at level crossings.
- Charges vary with coach type and route – air-conditioned coaches cost more.
- Additional charges apply for catering, cleaning, empty haulage costs etc.
- Special trains may be booked upto 6 months in advance. Last minute bookings are not allowed.
Tips for Smooth Special Train Journey Keep these tips in mind for a seamless special train booking and travel experience:
- Book early: Last minute special train requests often get rejected due to operational constraints.
- Provide buffer days: Avoid same day return journeys. Add buffer days to account for unexpected delays or emergencies.
- Request amenities: Based on your budget ask for extra amenities like bedrolls, snacks, WiFi etc. These are chargeable extra.
- Read terms: Carefully check the fine print regrading group size rules, refunds, train capacity, damages etc before confirming your booking.
- Get group list: Prepare a final train boarding list with passenger details to avoid issues during boarding or emergencies.
- Follow group size limits: Failure adhere to minimum passenger limits could result in last minute cancellations.
Special Trains vs Regular Trains While special trains allow customized group travel, regular IRCTC train bookings may work better in some cases.
Here is a comparison between special trains and regular rail booking:
Parameter Special Trains Regular Trains
Group size 500+ passengers Individual bookings allowed Schedule Custom schedule Fixed train schedules
Route Custom route Pre-defined rail routes Stops Customized stops All scheduled station stops Cost Higher Lower costs for individual bookings Amenities Can request extra amenities Standard amenities provided Booking time limit Book 30 days in advance Book 1-120 days in advance Cancellations Strict cancellation terms Cancellations allowed with deductions Process Complex process Simpler booking process
So go for special trains for large group travel over 500 km requiring a customized journey. For smaller groups or shorter distances, regular IRCTC train ticket booking is advisable.
IRCTC Special Train Booking FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about IRCTC special train bookings:
How do I get a special train application form?
You can download the special train application format from the IRCTC website under the Charter & Tour Packages section. You can also collect the form from your originating train station.
What documents do I need to book special trains?
Keep your government ID proof and train journey details handy to fill the special train application form accurately. Later, you will need your group details for the final passenger manifest.
What is the special train booking security amount refund process?
To get your full security deposit refunded, submit your special train dossier to the station manager within 15 days of completing the journey. For delays, partial refunds apply.
What if my special train gets cancelled?
IRCTC will first try to accommodate your entire group on another special train coach on the same date. Full refunds apply if alternate arrangements cannot be made.
Can I change my special train’s route after booking?
You can send change requests for your special train’s route, stops or schedule before 30 days from the travel date. Changes are subject to availability, operational constraints and revised booking costs.
We hope this detailed guide gives you clarity on how to book special train tickets for large groups! Let us know if you need any other IRCTC related assistance.