Should I book a taxi if the trains are cancelled?

Only for short distances (under 50km). Do not book long-distance road travel during a monsoon alert; roads are prone to landslides and sudden flooding that can leave you stuck for days.

How do I get a refund for a cancelled train?

If your train is cancelled by the railway, your refund is processed automatically to the original payment method within 3-5 business days. Do not go to the station ticket window; it will be overcrowded.

Are buses reliable during the monsoon?

Generally, no. State-run buses are often the first to stop services when water levels rise on highways. Stick to trains or flights whenever possible.

Navigating India When Monsoon Floods Disrupt Travel

Prioritize rail travel over roads, use localized apps like 'Where is my Train' for real-time delays, and always have a secondary flight or bus booking ready. If a region is flooded, pivot your plans to a drier geography immediately rather than waiting for transport to resume.

Use real-time tracking apps. Download 'Where is my Train' to track live Indian Railways status. Official sites are often slow to update; crowdsourced data on this app is more accurate for sudden cancellations due to track waterlogging.
Shift from road to rail. If roads are washed out, national highways in India become impassable quickly. Trains are more resilient. If your train is cancelled, check the IRCTC app immediately for an alternative train route; do not try to book a taxi for long-distance travel during heavy rain.
Prioritize regional airports. If you are stranded, look for flights out of the nearest tier-2 city airport rather than waiting for ground transport. Monsoon delays affect airports less than mountain passes or low-lying road networks.
Check the IMD alerts. Monitor the India Meteorological Department (IMD) website daily. If a 'Red' alert is issued for your district, assume all ground transport will stop within 6 hours. Leave early.

Should I book a taxi if the trains are cancelled?: Only for short distances (under 50km). Do not book long-distance road travel during a monsoon alert; roads are prone to landslides and sudden flooding that can leave you stuck for days.
How do I get a refund for a cancelled train?: If your train is cancelled by the railway, your refund is processed automatically to the original payment method within 3-5 business days. Do not go to the station ticket window; it will be overcrowded.
Are buses reliable during the monsoon?: Generally, no. State-run buses are often the first to stop services when water levels rise on highways. Stick to trains or flights whenever possible.