Indian Railways tests new reservation system: What it means for waitlisted passengers
In a significant move to address the anxiety of waitlisted passengers, and to make train journeys hassle-free,
Indian Railways
has begun trialing a system that releases the final reservation chart 24 hours before train departure, instead of the current four-hour window.
The pilot kicked off on June 6 in the Bikaner division, with early results showing promise for travelers—especially those who are travelling from afar.
Traditionally, final seat confirmations were released just four hours before departure, leaving waitlisted passengers scrambling at the last minute for alternatives. With a full day's notice, travellers will not get the option to confidently make contingency plans, be it arranging a last-minute ticket refund, opting for an alternate train, or adjusting travel details .
Officials highlighted that getting clarity about the ticket beforehand could help Railways adjust coach composition or deploy additional 'clone trains' on busy routes.
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As per the reports, the initiative began in Bikaner's Western Railway zone and in all likelihood may soon extend to other divisions prone to heavy waitlists. Rail authorities have informed that this change does not affect existing ticketing rules—including Tatkal bookings, advance reservation window, or fare structure.
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Waitlist travel rules and ARP changes
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his development comes on the heels of tighter enforcement of waitlist travel. As of May 1, 2025, passengers holding waitlisted tickets are no longer allowed to board Sleeper or AC coaches. They can only travel in general (unreserved) compartments, with fines for violations. Meanwhile, the Advance Reservation Period (ARP) was reduced from 120 days to 60 days in November 2024 to curb no-shows and ticket hoarding .
What travelers stand to gain
Peace of mind
: No more last-minute dash for alternative travel.
Better planning
: With 24-hour clarity, people can make informed decisions—book a backup train, secure lodging, or adjust travel times.
Operational efficiency
: With early charts, Railways can dynamically respond to demand by tweaking coach composition or deploying clone trains on high-traffic routes.
Despite optimistic feedback, people have commented on social media, suggesting that this implementation may not be uniform, and some travellers question whether this can truly relieve pressure on unreserved compartments.
Moreover, increasing punctuality and technological readiness across millions of daily services remains a logistical hurdle.
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5 UNESCO-approved Indian national parks to explore this year
Indian Railways' new 24-hour reservation chart could be a step-change in traveler convenience—and an operational lever for the system. The pilot's expansion will be key to determining whether this measure can truly ease waitlisted travel woes and reshape passenger experience.
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