online train ticket booking timings: Indian Railways has recently made an important announcement which will impact millions of passengers. From now on, train ticket booking timings have changed and it will start from 7 am. This change has been made to make the ticket booking process more convenient as well as more convenient for passengers.
Under this new rule, passengers can now book their tickets early in the morning. This change will be especially beneficial for those who start their day early or who previously found it difficult to book tickets due to their work schedules. Additionally, this change will also help in reducing the pressure on the ticket booking system, as the booking time has now become longer.
Overview of the new process of train ticket booking
Description | Information |
new booking time | from 7:00 am |
effective date | January 1, 2025 |
booking platform | IRCTC website, mobile app, railway counter |
Ticket Types | Tatkal, General Ticket, Premium Tatkal |
beneficiary | all passengers |
main objective | Making the booking process simple and convenient |
additional feature | 24×7 helpline service |
booking period | Advance up to 120 days |
Benefits of the new ticket booking process
There are many benefits of this new change that passengers will get:
- Time Saving: With booking opening early in the morning, passengers can book tickets early in their day.
- Less congestion: Increasing booking time will reduce pressure on the system, resulting in less congestion on the website and app.
- Better Planning: Passengers can now plan their journey better as they do not have to wait for long to book tickets.
- Convenience for business travelers: Those who travel early for work can now book tickets with ease.
- Better efficiency of the system: Booking in a longer period will put less load on the server, which will make the system work better.
Detailed description of the new booking process
online booking process
- Open IRCTC website or app: Open IRCTC official website or mobile app anytime after 7 am.
- Login: Login to your IRCTC account. If you don’t have an account, register first.
- Enter journey details: Select your journey date, source and destination station.
- Select Train: Select the train of your choice from the list of available trains.
- Select Category and Quota: Select the category of your choice (like Sleeper, 3AC, 2AC) and quota (General, Tatkal).
- Fill Passenger Details: Fill all the passengers name, age, gender and other required information.
- Pay: Pay for tickets with your preferred payment option.
- Download Ticket: Download and print your e-ticket after completion of payment.
Booking from railway counter
- Go to the counter: Go to the ticket counter of your nearest railway station.
- Fill the form: Take the ticket booking form and fill all the required information.
- Submit the form: Submit the filled form at the counter.
- Make Payment: Pay the ticket price.
- Receive Ticket: Receive your physical ticket and check that all details are correct.
Booking process for special categories
tatkal ticket booking
- For AC category: Starting from 10:00 am
- For Non-AC Category: Starting from 11:00 am
- Rules: Can be booked only one day before the date of travel
premium tatkal ticket
- Booking Time: Starts with Tatkal tickets only
- Additional Charges: Fare higher than normal Tatkal ticket
- Features: Confirmed seat guarantee, refund facility
Senior Citizen Ticket
- Age Limit: 60 years and above
- Discount: Up to 40% for men and 50% for women
- Documents: Age Certificate Required
Important information about the new booking process
- Waiting List: If you get a waiting list, keep checking your ticket status from time to time.
- Cancellation and Refund: Ticket cancellation rules and refund procedure will remain the same as before.
- Chart preparation: Chart will be ready 4 hours before the scheduled departure of the train.
- I-Ticket: For tickets booked through the internet (I-Ticket), it is necessary to carry a printout or soft copy.
- Mobile Tickets: Showing tickets on a smartphone is also valid, but the phone must be charged.
Things to keep in mind while booking tickets
- Provide correct information: Fill passengers name, age and other details correctly.
- Advance Booking: Tickets can be booked up to 120 days in advance.
- Bank Details: Keep your bank account or credit card details updated for online booking.
- Password Security: Keep your IRCTC account password strong and do not share it with anyone.
- Timely Booking: For popular trains, try to book tickets as soon as the booking starts.
Special facilities under the new process
- Auto Upgrade: If you have got a ticket in lower class and there is a seat vacant in higher class, then your ticket can be upgraded.
- Alternate Train Accommodation Scheme (ATAS): If you do not get a seat in the train of your choice, this scheme can help you get a seat in another train.
- Ladies Quota: Special quota available for female passengers.
- Divide Booking: If seats are not available for the entire group in a train, the system will give you the option to book tickets in different trains.
Problems faced during ticket booking and their solutions
- Website slowing down:
- Solution: Wait for a while and try again. If the problem persists, clear the browser’s cache.
- Payment Failure:
- Solution: Ensure sufficient balance in your bank account. If the amount has been deducted but the ticket has not been received, contact IRCTC helpline.
- Seat not available:
- Solution: Book a waiting list ticket or opt for ATAS.
- Filling wrong information:
- Solution: If the mistake is detected soon after the ticket is booked, file a TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt).
- Account locked:
- Solution: Wait for some time or contact IRCTC customer care.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general information purposes only. Although every effort has been made to keep the information provided in this article accurate, Railways policies and procedures are subject to change from time to time. Therefore, before taking any important decision please get the latest and accurate information by visiting the official website of Indian Railways or contacting the helpline. The author or publisher will not be responsible for any errors or omissions.