What happens if tatkal ticket is not confirmed?

From my extensive train travel experience, here's what actually happens behind the scenes. Tatkal tickets have a separate quota that's usually confirmed if booked within the first hour of opening. If waitlisted, they rarely get confirmed because:- Tatkal quota is fixed and doesn't increase like regular quotas- Last-minute cancellations are rare for Tatkal since people book them urgently- No upgradation to higher classes happens for Tatkal ticketsPractical advice: If your Tatkal shows WL1 or WL2 immediately after booking, there's still hope. But if it's WL10 or higher, immediately look for alternatives. The refund will come automatically, but the Tatkal charges (which are substantial) are non-refundable once the chart is prepared. I always check multiple trains and have bus tickets as backup when relying on Tatkal booking.

If your Tatkal ticket is not confirmed, here's what happens:Automatic process:- The ticket automatically gets cancelled by IRCTC- Refund is processed automatically to your bank account- No manual cancellation required from your sideRefund policy:- No refund if chart is prepared and ticket remains waitlisted- Partial refund (minus Tatkal charges) if cancelled before chart preparation- Refund typically credited within 3-7 working daysOptions when waitlisted:- Book alternative transport immediately- Check for current booking availability on the day of travel- Look for flights or buses as backup- Monitor the PNR status until chart preparationTatkal tickets have higher charges but don't guarantee confirmation. Always have a backup plan when booking Tatkal, especially during peak travel seasons.