Indian Railways has changed the rules of train ticket booking keeping in mind the convenience of passengers. This change will be applicable from 11 February 2025 and aims to make the booking process more simple and transparent. Under this new rule, many important changes have been made in train ticket booking timing and processes. Let’s know in detail about these changes.
New train ticket booking rules and time
Indian Railways has made some major changes in the time and process at the time of ticket booking. These changes have been made to provide better experiences to the passengers.
Summary of new rules
| Speciality | Description |
| Applied date | 11 February 2025 |
| Tatkal ticket timing (AC) | 10:00 am |
| Tatkal ticket timing (non-ac) | 11:00 am |
| Advance reservation period | Now 60 days ago |
| Booking platform | IRCTC website and mobile app |
| ID proof mandatory | Aadhar card, PAN card, passport etc. |
Tatkal ticket booking timing changes
The Railways has classified it to better organize the TATKAL ticket booking time:
- AC Class ticket: Now you can be booked from 10:00 am.
- Non-C Class tickets: Will be available from 11:00 am.
This new time will give passengers an opportunity to better manage their travel plans.
Advance Reservation Period (ARP) change
The first passengers could book tickets till 120 days before the date of their journey. But now this period has been reduced to 60 days. This change has been made for the following reasons:
- Reducing cancellation: Long -term booking was more likely to have more chances of cancellation.
- Spontaneous Travel: More options will be available for passengers traveling at the last minute.
- Ban on ticket brokers: Brokers taking advantage of long -term booking can be controlled.
The purpose of new rules
Indian Railways has stated the main objective of these changes to provide a better experience to the passengers. In addition, it has been ensured that:
- The booking process should be more transparent.
- Passengers traveling at the last minute can also get seats.
- Online booking should be given priority.
How to do booking process?
After the new rules are implemented, the process of booking train tickets will be the following:
- Go to the official website or mobile app of IRCTC.
- Login using your login credentials.
- Enter the travel information and select the “Tatkal” option.
- Fill the information of passenger details and ID proof.
- Pay and confirm your ticket.
ID proof mandatory
Now it will be mandatory to submit a valid identity card while booking a train ticket. Valid ID proofs include:
- Aadhar card
- PAN card
- Passport
- Driving license
This step has been taken to ensure security and prevent fake booking.
Benefits of new rules
These changes will provide many benefits to passengers:
- The travel plan will get more facilities at the last minute.
- The number of cancellation will be less.
- The online system will be more effective, which will prevent brokers.
Tatkal ticket fare and refund policy
Tatkal tickets are expensive than other common tickets. However, under the new refund policy, only those cases will be refunded when:
- The train can be canceled.
- The train ran for three hours or more delay.
Important things you should know
- All Tatkal and general tickets will be available on the IRCTC website or app.
- Advance Reservation Period (ARP) is now limited to only 60 days.
- Tatkal tickets will be available only one day in advance.
Rejuvenation
This article is based on the new rules declared by Indian Railways. However, if you want to confirm any particular information, contact the IRCTC or Railway Department.
In conclusion, these changes made by the Indian Railways are an important step towards improving the experience of the passengers and transparent the process.
