2025 is going to prove to be an important year for Indian Railways passengers. This year, many major changes have been made in IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) and railway related apps. These changes have been made to improve the convenience of passengers and the quality of rail services. Let’s know about these 6 major changes that will make your rail travel more comfortable and convenient.
These changes include new train time table, improvement in ticket booking process, launch of new trains, and increase in passenger facilities. These changes will not only be beneficial for daily travelers, but will also promote tourism. The ticket booking process has become even more simple and safe with the updates made in the IRCTC website and mobile app.
6 major changes in 2025 in IRCTC
A brief description of 6 major changes made by IRCTC and Indian Railways in 2025:
| shift | Description |
| New train time table | New ‘Trains at a Glance’ implemented from January 1, 2025 |
| Reduction in ticket booking window | Advance ticket booking period was reduced from 120 days to 60 days |
| New trains launched | Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat Express Trains Extension |
| Changes in Tatkal Ticket Booking | Booking time and passenger limit change |
| Multi-factor authentication | Compulsory MFA starts on IRCTC portal |
| Special arrangement for Mahakumbh Mela 2025 | Special trains and housing facilities |
1. New Train Time Table
Indian Railways has implemented a new train time table from January 1, 2025. It is the 44th edition of ‘Trains at a Glance’ (Tag). Many important changes have been made in this new time table:
- Start of new train services
- Changes in the time of existing trains
- Frequency of trains on some routes
This new time table will help passengers to make better plans and improve the efficiency of rail services. Passengers are advised to check the new time table before their journey.
2. Reduction in ticket booking window (Reduction in Ticket Booking Window)
IRCTC has made a significant change in the ticket booking process. Now passengers can book tickets only 60 days before their journey, whereas earlier this period was 120 days. There are many reasons behind this change:
- Improvement in ticket availability
- Reduction in speculation booking
- Last minute better opportunities for passengers
This new rule has come into force from November 1, 2024. However, 365 days of advance booking facility will continue for foreign tourists.
3. Launch of new trains (Launch of New Trains)
In 2025, Indian Railways started many new and modern trains:
- 136 new Vande Bharat Express trains: These high-speed trains will provide fast and comfortable journey to passengers.
- Amrit Bharat Express trains: These trains have been started for medium distance passengers with better facilities.
- Namo Bharat Rapid Rail (Vande Metro): This is a new and fast option for urban and suburban travelers.
These new trains will not only reduce travel time, but passengers will also get better facilities and comfortable travel experience.
4. Changes in Tatkal Ticket Booking
Some significant changes have been made in Tatkal Ticket Booking System:
- Changes in booking time: Booking will start from 10:00 am for AC class and non-AC class at 11:00 am.
- Passenger limit: A maximum of 4 passengers can be booked on a PNR.
- Identity card compulsory: It will be mandatory to give details of valid identity card at the time of booking.
These changes will make the Tatkal ticket booking process more transparent and justified.
5. Multi-Factor Authentication
IRCTC has made multi-factor authentication (MFA) mandatory to increase security on its portal:
- All users will have to undergo two-tier verification at the time of login.
- This may include OTP or biometric verification in addition to passwords.
- This change will strengthen cyber security and reduce fraud cases.
Passengers are advised to keep their mobile number and email ID updated in the IRCTC account.
6. Special Arrangements for Mahakumbh Mela 2025 (Special Arrangements for Maha Kumbh Mela 2025)
IRCTC has made special arrangements for the Mahakumbh Mela to be held in 2025:
- More than 3,000 special trains will be run.
- Arrangement of housing for more than 1 lakh pilgrims.
- Construction of luxury tent city ‘Mahakumbh Gram’ near Triveni Sangam.
- Online booking facility from 10 January to 28 February, 2025.
These arrangements will give pilgrims convenient and safe travel experience.
Improvement in IRCTC website and app in IRCTC Website and App)
IRCTC has made many improvements in its website and mobile app:
- Faster Loading Time: Website and app now loaded much faster than ever.
- User-friendly interface: The new design makes the ticket booking process further simplified.
- Real-time updates: Information about train status, platform number etc. is available immediately.
- Multiple Payment Options: There are many options available including UPI, Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card.
These reforms will provide better user experience to passengers and the ticket booking process will become even more convenient.
New security measures
Keeping in mind the safety of passengers, many new security measures have been implemented:
- AI-based monitoring systems: have been installed in stations and trains.
- Biometric ticket verification: Some high-security routes have been launched.
- Increase in the number of security personnel: Additional security personnel have been deployed in important stations and trains.
These measures will provide the passengers experiences of safe and relaxed travel.
Disclaimer
This article is only for informative purposes and the information given in it is based on the position of till 25 January 2025. IRCTC and Indian Railways can change their policies and services from time to time. Always confirm the latest information and rules from the official IRCTC website or railway counter before the journey. The information given in the article cannot be considered complete or final and may have errors.
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