MakeMyTrip Rolls Out Seat Availability Forecast Feature for Train Travel

For millions of Indian train travellers, securing a confirmed seat often feels like a race against time. Most reserved train tickets open for booking 60 days in advance, yet many commuters finalize travel plans much closer to departure—only to discover that confirmed seats have already sold out. MakeMyTrip, one of India’s leading online travel platforms, has now launched a data-driven solution to this problem: Seat Availability Forecast.

This latest innovation aims to help users predict when seats on a selected train are likely to run out, offering a new level of clarity in the train booking journey. The feature is powered by a proprietary algorithm that combines years of historical booking data with real-time demand patterns to generate reliable seat availability predictions.

Why This Matters

MakeMyTrip’s internal data reveals that 40% of train ticket bookings happen over multiple sessions, with nearly 70% of such users ending up with waitlisted tickets. This isn’t just due to high demand—it’s often a case of travellers lacking visibility into booking windows. The timeframe for securing confirmed tickets can change drastically based on seasonality, train type, and route. For example, high-speed trains that were booked out 13 days in advance in April saw that window shrink to over 20 days by May due to increased demand.

A Game Changer for Train Travel

“With Seat Availability Forecast, our goal is to solve a real and persistent issue for train travellers—lack of foresight,” said Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and Group CEO, MakeMyTrip. “We’ve used data science to bring predictability to a booking process that often feels uncertain. It’s a step forward in making train travel more seamless, efficient, and stress-free.”

The feature is now live on both the MakeMyTrip app and website, integrated directly within the train booking flow.

Sold-out Alerts for Timely Booking Decisions

Complementing the forecast tool is Sold-out Alerts, another newly introduced feature. Once activated, it tracks the number of remaining seats on a selected train and notifies users when availability dips below a certain threshold. This prompt nudges travellers to complete their bookings before it's too late, giving them more control over their journey.

Part of a Larger Innovation Ecosystem

MakeMyTrip has long been a pioneer in digitizing rail travel in India. As one of the first OTAs authorized by IRCTC, it has consistently rolled out tools that ease every stage of the train travel experience:

Pre-Booking Phase

• Route Extension Assistance: Suggests alternate extended routes when direct bookings aren’t available.
• Nearby Station Recommendations: Expands options by showing trains from nearby stations during high demand.
• Connected Travel: Integrates trains with buses or flights for multi-modal itineraries.

Booking Phase

• Seat Lock: Reserve a seat by paying just 25% upfront.
• Trip Guarantee: Offers 3X refund if a waitlisted ticket isn’t confirmed.
• Free Cancellation: Flexible options to cancel without penalties.

Post-Booking Phase

• Food in Train: Schedule restaurant deliveries en route.
• PNR Alerts: Live updates and suggestions for alternate bookings.
• Train Tracking & Platform Locator: Real-time train movement and platform info, even in areas with poor mobile reception.
• The Seat Availability Forecast, alongside Sold-out Alerts, strengthens this comprehensive ecosystem, empowering travellers from the moment they begin searching to the moment they board.

The launch of Seat Availability Forecast reflects MakeMyTrip’s commitment to anticipating the evolving needs of Indian travellers. With features that blend predictive analytics and user-friendly design, MakeMyTrip continues to reimagine the way India books and experiences train travel—empowering users to plan smarter, book confidently, and travel stress-free.