New rules for Waiting Ticket, Reservation Rules and Tatkal Booking Timing – Variousinfo

Indian Railway 3 New Update: Indian Railways has recently made several important changes that will directly impact passengers. These new rules aim to make the ticket booking process more efficient. Railways has reduced the Advance Reservation Period (ARP) from 120 days to 60 days, effective from November 1, 2024. Apart from this, the timing of Tatkal ticket booking has also been changed. Some important changes have also been made in the rules of waiting tickets.

These new rules will help in simplifying the ticket booking process for passengers as well as reducing the problem of ticket cancellations and no-shows. In this article we will give detailed information about all these new rules and changes. Let us see what these new rules are and how passengers will benefit from them.

New rules and updates of Indian Railways

Indian Railways has recently made several important changes that will directly impact passengers. Let’s take a brief overview of these new rules:

Change in Advance Reservation Period (ARP)

Indian Railways has reduced the Advance Reservation Period (ARP) from 120 days to 60 days. This new rule has come into effect from 1 November 2024. This means that now passengers will be able to book tickets only 60 days in advance of their travel date.

The main objective of this change is:

• Reducing the number of ticket cancellations
• Reducing the number of no-show passengers
• Increasing ticket availability for genuine passengers
• To curb the activities of ticket brokers

It is worth noting that all bookings made till October 31, 2024 will remain valid and will not be affected by this new rule.

New time for Tatkal ticket booking

Indian Railways has also changed the timing of Tatkal ticket booking. Now Tatkal ticket booking will start from 7 pm. This change has been made to provide more convenience to the passengers.

New rules for Tatkal ticket booking:

• Booking will start from 7 pm
• Booking for AC class from 7 pm onwards
• Booking for non-AC classes from 7:30 pm onwards
• Only 4 Tatkal tickets allowed per passenger

This change will give passengers an opportunity to book tickets in the evening after completing their daily work.

New rules for waiting ticket

Indian Railways has implemented some new rules for waiting ticket holders. The objective of these rules is to reduce crowding in reserved coaches and provide better travel experience to confirmed ticket holders.

New rules for waiting tickets:

• Waiting ticket holders cannot travel in reserve coach or AC coach.
• Travel allowed only in general coach
• Provision for fine and deboarding at next station if caught in reserve coach.
• Waitlisted tickets booked online will be automatically canceled if not confirmed.

New rules for ticket cancellation

Under the new rules, ticket cancellation is allowed even for bookings older than 60 days. This will provide more flexibility to passengers.

New rules for cancellation:

• Cancellation allowed for bookings older than 60 days
• Cancellation charges will be applicable as per rules
• No change in refund process

Special rules for foreign tourists

Indian Railways continues to have special rules for foreign tourists. These rules are aimed at helping foreign tourists better plan their travel to India.

Rules for foreign tourists:

• Ticket booking allowed 365 days in advance
• Special tourist quota available
• Booking with passport and visa mandatory

AI based seat allocation system

Indian Railways has launched a new AI based seat allocation system. This system will ensure better seat allocation by analyzing passenger data.

Features of AI System:

• Real-time analysis of passenger data
• Better seat allocation for waiting list passengers
• Better management of train congestion
• Increase in passenger satisfaction

Impact of new rules

These new rules are expected to have a positive impact on both passengers and railways. Let us see how these changes will be beneficial:

1. Improvement in ticket availability: Reducing ARP will increase ticket availability for genuine passengers.
2. Less cancellations: Shorter booking window will reduce the number of ticket cancellations.
3. Better Planning: Passengers will be able to plan their journey better.
4. Curb on brokers: There will be a ban on the activities of ticket brokers.
5. Less crowding in reserved coaches: Waiting ticket rules will reduce crowding in reserved coaches.
6. Benefit of AI: Better seat allocation will increase passenger satisfaction.

Tips for travelers

In view of the new rules, passengers should keep a few things in mind:

• Book tickets on time (60 days in advance)
• Be ready for tatkal ticket at 7 pm
• Do not travel in reserved coach with waiting ticket
• Understand the cancellation rules
• Keep an eye on IRCTC website or app for updates.

future plans

Indian Railways is continuously improving its services. Many more changes may be seen in the future:

• Expansion of digital ticketing system
• More AI based services
• Expansion of Green Initiatives
• Development of high-speed rail network
• Modernization of stations

conclusion

These new changes made by Indian Railways are an important step towards improving the passenger experience and making the railway system more efficient. Reduction in ARP, change in Tatkal ticket booking timings, and new rules for waitlisted tickets are all in the interest of passengers. The use of AI based systems is also a welcome step.

Travelers should be aware of these new rules and take them into account when planning their travel. This initiative of Indian Railways will definitely help in improving the travel experience.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. The rules may change from time to time. Please get latest information from IRCTC official website or helpline before travelling. The author or publisher is not responsible for any errors or omissions.