Tatkal ticket booking is a facility that allows passengers to book tickets a day before their journey. This service is very useful for those who have to travel suddenly. Recently, a rumor was spread on social media that Indian Railways is going to shut down the Tatkal ticket booking service. This news had become a matter of concern for many people.
In this article we will discuss all the important information related to Tatkal ticket booking. We will also know whether Tatkal ticket booking is really going to stop or it is just a rumour. Besides, we will also give information about the new rules of Tatkal ticket booking and its benefits.
What is tatkal ticket? (What is Tatkal Ticket?)
Tatkal ticket is a special type of rail ticket that allows passengers to book it a day before their journey. This service was started by Indian Railways in 1997. The main features of Tatkal ticket are as follows:
| Speciality | Description |
| booking time | AC Class – 10:00 AM, Non-AC Class – 11:00 AM |
| maximum passengers | 4 passengers on one PNR |
| minimum charge | 30% of base fare |
| maximum fee | ₹400 (for AC 2 tier) |
| Refund Policy | No refund on confirmed tickets |
| id proof | Required at time of booking |
| Availability | In all categories (except First AC) |
Rumor of Tatkal Ticket Cancellation
Recently, a news went viral on social media that Indian Railways is going to close Tatkal ticket booking service. This news had become a matter of concern for many people. But this news is completely wrong and misleading.
The truth is that Indian Railways has not taken any decision to discontinue the Tatkal ticket booking service. In fact, Railways has implemented some new rules to further improve this service.
New Rules for Tatkal Ticket Booking
Indian Railways has implemented some new rules to make the Tatkal ticket booking process more transparent and user-friendly. These rules have become effective from 1 November 2024. Let’s take a look at these new rules:
- Changes in booking time:
- For AC class: from 10:00 am
- For non-AC classes: from 11:00 am
- Limited number of passengers: Only a maximum of 4 passengers can be booked on one PNR.
- ID Proof Mandatory: Valid ID proof like Aadhar Card, PAN Card, Passport, or Driving License must be provided at the time of ticket booking.
- Preference for online booking: Preference will be given to booking tickets through IRCTC website or mobile app.
- Change in Refund Policy: Refund will not be available on confirmed Tatkal tickets, but refund can be taken in case the train is canceled or delayed by more than 3 hours.
Tatkal Ticket Booking Process
Booking Tatkal tickets is now easier than ever. You can book tickets from the comfort of your home using IRCTC website or mobile app. Here is the process to book Tatkal tickets:
- Login to IRCTC website or app.
- Enter your journey information (source station, destination station, journey date).
- Select Tatkal Quota.
- Select your preferred train from the list of available trains.
- Fill passenger information (name, age, gender, berth priority).
- Enter ID proof information.
- Make payment and book tickets.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Tatkal Ticket
There are some advantages and disadvantages of Tatkal ticket booking. Let’s take a look at these:
Advantages:
- Useful for emergency travel
- Fast booking process
- More chances of getting a guaranteed seat
Loss:
- Fee 30-40% more than normal ticket
- Refund is not available on confirmed tickets
- Tickets may sell out quickly as soon as the booking window opens
Tips for Tatkal Ticket Booking
Some useful tips to be successful in booking Tatkal tickets:
- Login 5-10 minutes before booking starts.
- Use a fast internet connection.
- Save passenger details in advance in IRCTC profile.
- Keep an alternative plan ready for train or date.
- Fill the captcha code correctly.
- Use e-wallet or net banking for payment.
Problems in Tatkal Ticket Booking
Many passengers face some problems during Tatkal ticket booking. Some common problems are:
- Slow server speed: IRCTC server becomes slow at the time of booking.
- Login Problem: Sometimes users have trouble logging in.
- Payment Failure: Sometimes there is a problem with the payment process.
- Low availability of tickets: Tickets sell out quickly on popular routes.
- Captcha issue: Filling wrong captcha may delay booking.
FAQs about Tatkal Ticket Booking
- Question: Is Tatkal ticket booking service being closed?
Answer: No, it is a rumour. Tatkal ticket booking service will continue. - Question: When can Tatkal tickets be booked?
Answer: From 10:00 AM for AC classes and from 11:00 AM for Non-AC classes. - Question: Are refunds available on Tatkal tickets?
Answer: Refund is not available on confirmed Tatkal ticket, but refund can be given in case of train cancellation. - Question: How many passengers can be booked on one PNR?
Answer: Maximum 4 passengers can be booked on one PNR. - Question: Is ID proof necessary for Tatkal ticket booking?
Answer: Yes, valid ID proof is mandatory at the time of ticket booking.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Although we have tried to provide accurate information, the rules and procedures for Tatkal ticket booking may change from time to time. Please consult the official IRCTC website or official sources of Indian Railways for latest information. This article is in no way an official statement of Indian Railways or IRCTC.
