New rules of train ticket booking: Indian Railways has made several significant changes in the ticket booking system for passengers in 2025. The purpose of these new rules is to provide better convenience to the passengers and make the ticket booking process more efficient. IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) has implemented these changes so that passengers can make better plans for their journey and improve ticket availability.
These new rules include Advance Reservation Period (ARP) reduction, change in ticket cancellation policy, and special provisions for foreign tourists. In addition, IRCTC has started using Artificial Intelligence (AI) on its platform, which will make the ticket allocation process more efficient. These changes have become effective since November 1, 2024 and passengers must know about them.
5 major changes in IRCTC ticket booking system
IRCTC has made several significant changes in the train ticket booking system. Let’s see a detailed description of these changes:
| shift | Description |
| Advance reservation period (ARP) | Reduced from 120 days to 60 days |
| Ticket cancellation policy | Cancellation allowed for booking more than 60 days ago |
| Rules for foreign tourists | 365 days ARP intact |
| Rules for day -time express trains | no changes |
| Use of AI | AI used to improve ticket allocation process |
| Tatkal ticket booking | New time and rules apply |
1. Advance Reservation Period (ARP)
A significant change has been made in the Advance Reservation Period i.e. advance reservation period. The first passengers could book tickets till 120 days ago, but now this period has been reduced to 60 days. The main objective of this change is:
- Help passengers in better planning for their journey
- Reduction of ticket cancellation and “no-show”
- Getting a better estimate of real passenger demand
This new rule has come into force from November 1, 2024. However, all bookings made till 31 October, 2024 will be valid as per the pre -rules.
2. Change in ticket cancellation policy
According to the new cancellation policy:
- Booking made more than 60 days will be allowed to be canceled
- Cancellation charge and refund rules will remain the same as before
- Passengers will get more flexibility in their travel plans
3. Special provisions for foreign tourists
The 365 -day Advance Reservation Period will continue for foreign tourists. Its purpose is:
- Aid
- Promote tourism
4. Rules for express trains running during the day
The advance reservation system already a short -term advance reservation system is already implemented for express trains running during a few days like Taj Express, Gomti Express etc. For these trains:
- No changes have been made in the current rules
- Passengers can book tickets for these trains as before
5. Use of AI in ticket allocation
IRCTC has started using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to make the ticket allocation process more efficient. This AI model has some major benefits:
- Getting a better estimate of a rush of trains
- Extending the possibility of getting confirmed tickets to passengers with waiting list
- About 30% increase in ticket availability
New rules in tatkal ticket booking
IRCTC has also made some significant changes in the Tatkal ticket booking system. These new rules have come into force from January 1, 2025:
Booking time
- AC Class Tatkal Ticket: Booking starts from 10:00 am
- Non-C Class Tatkal Ticket: Booking starts from 11:00 am
Passenger limit
- A maximum of 4 passengers can be booked at a PNR
Identity card mandatory
It is mandatory to give either of the following valid identity cards at the time of booking:
- Aadhar card
- PAN card
- Passport
- Driving license
Priority to online booking
- Passengers are being encouraged to book tickets through IRCTC website or app
- Online booking will be given priority
Changes in refund policy
- Refund will be found only if the train is canceled or delayed more than 3 hours
Suggestion for ticket booking
With the new rules, passengers should take care of some things in their ticket booking process:
- Timely booking: Book tickets on time keeping in mind 60 days ARP.
- Use of IRCTC app: Use the official mobile app of IRCTC which is more convenient and faster.
- Keep the identity card ready: Keep the required identity card ready at the time of booking.
- Be prepared for TATKAL Booking: Be ready for new time for Tatkal tickets.
- Keep information about the cancellation policy: Keep information about the new policy in the event of canceling tickets.
Impact of new rules
These new rules will have many effects on passengers and railway systems:
- Better ticket availability: ARP decrease will increase the chances of real passengers getting tickets.
- Low cancellation: Small ARP will reduce unnecessary booking and cancellation.
- Benefits of AI: With the use of AI, the ticket allocation process will be more efficient.
- Facility for foreign tourists: Foreign tourists will be able to make better plans from 365 days ARP.
- Improvement in TATKAL System: New TATKAL rules will make this facility better use.
conclusion
This change made by IRCTC is an important step to make Indian Railways ticket booking system more efficient, transparent and user-friendly. Steps such as 60 -day ARP, Use of AI, and improving Tatkal booking will help in providing better service to passengers. However, passengers should be aware of these new rules and keep in mind when planning their journey.
These changes are not only beneficial for the passengers, but will also improve the efficiency of the railway system. In the coming time, the impact of these rules will be evaluated and may be done and improved as required.
Disclaimer: This information is based on available information till January 2025. Changes can be made from time to time by IRCTC and Indian Railways. Passengers are advised to get the latest information from the official website or helpline of IRCTC before their journey.
