Beat IndiGo chaos with IRCTC special train bookings

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New Delhi: Amid IndiGo’s 2025 flight chaos with thousands of cancellations, IRCTC special trains and packages emerge as reliable lifelines for seamless nearby getaways, connecting metros without airport hassles. From Vande Bharat speed to Bharat Gaurav heritage tours, these IRCTC holiday packages 2025 offer confirmed seats, meals, and sightseeing for winter escapes. Perfect IRCTC packages amid IndiGo chaos ensure stress-free travel to Goa beaches or Jaipur forts. Which route tempts you—trains or tours? Share below!​

IRCTC has ramped up special trains between Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Goa, alongside curated IRCTC tourism packages for budget getaways. These fill the void left by IndiGo disruptions, promising affordable, comfortable journeys. Ready to swap flights for rails?

How IRCTC jumped in to rescue with special trains and packages

IRCTC swiftly launched 89+ special trains and added 116 coaches to premium services like Rajdhani amid IndiGo chaos 2025, easing stranded passengers with bookings via app or counters. Bharat Gaurav tourist trains and holiday packages cover nearby spots like Rishikesh, Udaipur, with AC comfort, meals, and hotels from ₹20k.​

These IRCTC special trains 2025 run daily/bi-weekly between metros, while packages bundle rail+stay for Jaipur (₹25k, 3N/4D) or Goa (₹40k ex-Delhi), perfect amid flight delays.

Special trains between major metro cities

1. Delhi-Mumbai specials (Over 20 daily trips)

The 02951 Mumbai Central-New Delhi SF Special departs from Mumbai CST daily at 17:30 and arrives at New Delhi at 09:05 the next day, covering the 1,388 km journey in 16 hours with fares starting at ₹2,200 for 3AC, ₹3,100 for 2AC, and ₹5,200 for 1AC. The return 02952 runs from New Delhi at 16:10, arriving Mumbai at 07:25, while Vande Bharat Express specials operate multiple times daily in just 5.5 hours for ₹3,000 in AC Chair Car. IRCTC offers Mumbai packages from ₹25,000 ex-Delhi, including 3 nights’ hotels and sightseeing.​

2. Delhi-Bengaluru Vande Bharat (Bi-weekly + daily Rajdhani)

The Vande Bharat Special 22235 departs New Delhi at 21:15 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, reaching Bengaluru City at 06:40 after 33 hours, with fares at ₹4,500 for Chair Car and ₹6,800 for Executive Class, including meals. The 22692 Rajdhani Express leaves at 20:50, arriving at 14:30 the next day in 41 hours for ₹5,000 in 3A. IRCTC Bengaluru packages start at ₹32,000 ex-Delhi with Mysore and Coorg stays included.​

3. Delhi-Hyderabad Rajdhani boost (weekly SF + extra coaches)

Train 02438 New Delhi-Secunderabad SF departs at 16:00 on Saturdays, arriving at Secunderabad at 14:00 on Sunday, completing 1,670 km in 22 hours with 3A fares at ₹3,500 and 2A at ₹4,800. The return 02437 leaves Secunderabad on Mondays at 17:30, reaching New Delhi at 16:30 on Tuesday. Hyderabad packages cost ₹28,000 ex-Delhi, featuring Ramoji Film City visits.​

4. Delhi-Kolkata Duronto SF (Fri specials + Howrah boost)

The 22656 NZM-ERS Duronto runs Fridays at 05:00 from New Delhi, arriving Ernakulam at 10:10 Saturday after 29 hours for ₹4,200 in 3A, while daily Howrah specials like 13483 depart 20:50, arriving HWH 20:35 the next day (₹3,000 Sleeper). IRCTC Buddhist circuit packages are ₹35,000, including Bodh Gaya stays.​

5. Delhi-Ahmedabad SF Express (daily + weekly)

Train 02957 Ahmedabad-New Delhi departs 18:20 daily, arriving 08:00 the next morning in 14 hours with 3A at ₹2,100, supplemented by weekly 09451 specials amid chaos. Sabarmati packages from ₹22,000 ex-Delhi cover 3 days at the Statue of Unity.​

6. Mumbai-Goa Mangala Express (daily + specials)

The 12618 Mangala Lakshadweep Express departs New Delhi daily at 05:35, arriving Madgaon at 16:00 after 34 hours for ₹3,000 in 3A, with added Madgaon-Mumbai specials. IRCTC Goa packages start at ₹40,000 ex-Mumbai, including beaches and casinos.

Step-by-step IRCTC E-ticket booking guide

  1. Visit IRCTC Website/App: Go to irctc.co.in or download the IRCTC Rail Connect app; select “e-Ticket Booking” for special trains listed amid IndiGo chaos 2025.​

  2. Enter journey details: Choose “From” (e.g. Delhi)/”To” (e.g. Mumbai), select special train number (e.g., 02951), pick date, class (3A/SL), quota (General/Special).​

  3. Fill Passenger Details: Add names, age, berth preference (Lower/Side); special trains show real-time availability boosted by extra coaches.​

  4. Make Payment: Pay via UPI/Netbanking (₹10-50 txn fee); Tatkal opens 1 hr prior for last-minute amid flight cancellations.​

  5. Get PNR & E-Ticket: Receive instant SMS/email with PNR; download PDF or show SMS at station—no hard copy needed.​

  6. Track & Modify: Use PNR status tracker; cancel/refund via app (up to 48 hrs prior, charges apply).

IRCTC’s special trains and packages shine as perfect IndiGo chaos 2025 alternatives, connecting metros reliably with comfort and deals. Book now for stress-free getaways—which route awaits you?