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Reserved train tickets in India can be booked up to 60 days before travel, but many travellers tend to finalise their plans closer to the date. Data from MakeMyTrip indicates that nearly 40 per cent of users make bookings over multiple sessions, often spanning several days. Of these, around 70 per cent end up with waitlisted tickets, as confirmed seats tend to sell out by the time they decide to book.
Demand for train tickets varies significantly from week to week. In April, most high-speed trains were sold out approximately 13 days before departure; by May, increasing demand meant tickets were often fully booked more than 20 days prior. This makes it difficult for travellers to predict how long seats will remain available, complicating timely planning.
To improve predictability, MakeMyTrip has launched ‘Seat Availability Forecast’. This new feature offers a predictive view of when seats on a chosen train are likely to sell out, using advanced modelling that combines historical booking data with real-time demand signals. It is now accessible on the MakeMyTrip app and website, integrated into the train booking process.
“We are focused on our mission to anticipate and address the nuanced needs of Indian rail passengers. Seat Availability Forecast is a result of that effort, rooted in data science, built to be seamless, and designed to solve a real planning challenge for millions of users. It is a strong addition to our rail stack, which helps make train travel more predictable and less stressful across the board,” said Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and Group CEO, MakeMyTrip.
For travellers not ready to book immediately, MakeMyTrip has also introduced ‘Sold-out Alerts’. This feature notifies users when tickets on their selected train drop below a certain number, enabling them to act before seats are fully booked. When used alongside the Seat Availability Forecast, it provides travellers with greater visibility and control over their travel plans.
