Latest news with #Tatkal
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Time of India
Indian Railways ticketing rules: Emergency quota rules tightened; same-day requests barred
This is an Ai-generated image, used for representational purposes only. The Indian Railways has issued a new circular revising its emergency quota (EQ) guidelines, requiring all requests to be submitted at least a day before travel. The move, aimed at ensuring timely chart preparation and avoiding operational delays, follows recent changes in reservation chart timings and Tatkal bookings. As per the circular issued on Tuesday, 'Emergency quota request for all the trains leaving between 0000 hours and 1400 hours should reach the EQ cell up to 1200 hours on the previous day of journey.' For trains scheduled between 14:01 hours and 23:59 hours, the cutoff is 4:00 pm on the preceding day. Requests received on the same day as departure will no longer be accepted. In case of Sundays or public holidays, EQ requests must be submitted on the previous working day. 'The requests for the release of accommodation in trains, for which the emergency quota is to be released on Sundays or clubbed holidays after Sundays, should be given during office hours on the previous working day,' the circular stated. The Railway Board's EQ cell receives a high volume of requests from VIPs, senior officers, and other departments. The ministry acknowledged this, saying, 'All efforts are made to allot the quota judiciously and with common prudence.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Officers have been instructed to strictly adhere to the new submission timings to avoid disruptions. 'The allotments are given in time and chart preparation is not delayed, which not only results in extreme difficulties to the travelling public but can also lead to a delay in the departure of trains,' it added. The ministry also directed forwarding authorities to verify the authenticity of each request and comply with existing guidelines to prevent misuse. These changes come amid broader reforms to the ticketing system. Indian Railways recently revised its chart preparation time to eight hours before departure for better passenger clarity. For trains leaving before 2:00 pm, reservation charts will now be finalised at 9:00 pm the previous evening. Tatkal bookings have also seen reforms. From July 1, only verified users can book Tatkal tickets via IRCTC. OTP-based authentication is set to be rolled out by the end of the month. Users will need to validate their identity using Aadhaar or other government IDs linked to DigiLocker. A new passenger reservation system is also in the works and expected to go live by December 2025. As per ET, the upgraded system will be able to process 150,000 ticket bookings per minute, five times the current capacity, and handle 4 million enquiry requests per minute. It will feature a multilingual interface, allow users to choose seat preferences, view fare calendars, and provide dedicated booking features for Divyangjan, students, and patients. Indian Railways is also considering a move to reduce or remove "clerkage" charges deducted from refunds on cancelled or unconfirmed waitlisted tickets. Currently, passengers lose Rs 60 for reserved and Rs 30 for unreserved second-class tickets, even when cancelled online. If scrapped, this will offer significant relief to waitlisted travellers. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
19 hours ago
- Time of India
Train reservations: After chart timing and Tatkal, railways announces another important change in ticketing process
The railway ministry has introduced another key change in the passenger ticketing process, following its recent updates to chart preparation and Tatkal bookings. A new circular issued on Tuesday outlines revised rules for handling special travel requests, aimed at streamlining operations and preventing last-minute delays. The railway ministry has revised the timing guidelines for submitting emergency quota (EQ) requests, following its recent change in reservation chart preparation timing to eight hours before a train's departure. As per a circular issued by the ministry on Tuesday, passengers seeking emergency quota in trains must now submit their request a day before the journey. This change applies to all trains. Railway Reservation: Emergency Quota Request "Emergency quota request for all the trains leaving between 0000 hours and 1400 hours should reach EQ cell up to 1200 hours on the previous day of journey," the circular said. 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Train Reservation: Holiday guidance also updated In case of Sundays or public holidays, the circular mentioned that requests for trains leaving on such days must be made on the previous working day. Live Events 'The requests for the release of accommodation in trains, for which the emergency quota is to be released on Sundays or clubbed holidays after Sundays, should be given during office hours on the previous working day,' the circular stated. High number of requests from officials The railway ministry noted that the reservation cell of the Railway Board handles a large volume of EQ requests from VIPs, railway officers, senior officers, and other departments. 'All efforts are made to allot the quota judiciously and with common prudence,' the circular stated. Officers advised to follow timings strictly The ministry has asked all officers to strictly follow the revised timings so that train charts are not delayed. 'The allotments are given in time and chart preparation is not delayed, which not only results in extreme difficulties to the travelling public but can also lead to a delay in the departure of trains,' the ministry said. Forwarding authorities have also been asked to verify the genuineness of each EQ request and comply with existing guidelines on allotment. Indian Railways Revamps Ticket Booking System Earlier this month, Indian Railways implmented major changes to its passenger reservation system to make train travel more comfortable for passengers. The changes include new rules for booking Tatkal tickets, earlier preparation of train charts for waitlisted passengers, and an overall upgrade to the reservation system. Train Chart Preparation Reservation charts are now prepared four hours before a train's departure. A new proposal suggests preparing these charts eight hours in advance. For trains leaving before 2:00 PM, charts will be finalized at 9:00 PM the previous day. The Railway Minister has approved this idea and wants it implemented gradually. This change will give passengers with waitlisted tickets more clarity and time to make alternative travel arrangements if needed. Tatkal Ticket Booking Starting July 1, 2025, only verified users are allowed to book Tatkal tickets through the IRCTC website and mobile app. Additionally, OTP-based authentication for Tatkal bookings will begin at the end of July. The Railway Minister has instructed officials to expand the authentication process for Tatkal reservations. Users will need to verify their identity using Aadhaar or other valid government IDs stored in their DigiLocker accounts. New Passenger Reservation System By December 2025, a new passenger reservation system will be in place. This upgrade, implemented by CRIS, will significantly increase ticket booking capabilities. The modern system will handle over 150,000 ticket reservations per minute, a fivefold increase from the current 32,000 tickets per minute. The system's enquiry processing ability will also increase tenfold, from 400,000 to over 4 million enquiries per minute. The upgraded system will have a user-friendly interface, support multiple languages, and allow users to specify seating preferences and view fare calendars. It will also include dedicated facilities for Divyangjan, students, patients, and other specific categories. Clerkage Charges Indian Railways is considering removing or reducing "clerkage" charges, which are deducted from refunds for cancelled or unconfirmed waitlisted tickets. Currently, a clerkage charge of Rs 60 is applied to both AC and non-AC reserved tickets, while Rs 30 is charged for unreserved second-class tickets. This charge applies even to cancellations made through the IRCTC website. If implemented, this change would benefit passengers with waitlisted tickets.
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Time of India
No Aadhaar, no Tatkal: Railways make OTP verification mandatory for online ticket booking; Here's what you must do
No Verification, No Ticket IRCTC's official website Mobile app Indian Railways PRS counters Live Events What Passengers Must Do Carry a mobile phone with a SIM card linked to their Aadhaar number Make sure their IRCTC profile is linked to Aadhaar to avoid last-minute problems No Bulk Bookings in the First 30 Minutes From 10:00 am to 10:30 am for AC classes From 11:00 am to 11:30 am for non-AC classes Railways Urge Passengers to Update Aadhaar Details (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel If you're planning to book a Tatkal train ticket online, make sure your Aadhaar is ready. From 15 July, Aadhaar OTP (one-time password) verification has been made mandatory for all online Tatkal ticket bookings, according to railway Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu Division, Northern Railway, Uchit Singhal announced that from July 15 onwards, Aadhaar OTP verification became mandatory for online Tatkal booking.'Passengers will not be able to get Tatkal tickets without verifying their identity through an OTP sent to their mobile,' said tickets can still be booked through:However, only after OTP authentication will the booking be must now:Even authorised agents will be able to book tickets only after OTP authentication, Singhal stop misuse, bulk booking won't be allowed during the first 30 minutes of Tatkal bookings:During this time, IRCTC agents and other authorised ticketing agents will be restricted from railway administration has requested all passengers to link their Aadhaar with their booking profile as soon as possible to avoid any next time you rush to book a last-minute train, make sure your Aadhaar and mobile number are ready, or you might miss the train!Inputs from PTI
India.com
15-07-2025
- India.com
Indian Railways BIG update: How to book Tatkal ticket? IRCTC introduces new rules, passengers can now book ticket via…
No tatkal booking without this! Link your Aadhaar Card with IRCTC account: Here's step by step guide New Delhi: Are you a frequent train traveller? If yes, then we have an important update for you. The Indian Railways has made the Aadhaar-based OTP authentication mandatory for all Tatkal ticket bookings. The new rule promises to curb misuse of Tatkal train ticket bookings and enhance ease of booking for general passengers from July 15, 2025. It is important to note that if the passengers are booking train tickets online via IRCTC or offline via Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters and authorised agents, Aadhaar OTP verification will now be an essential step in the process. Tatkal tickets can be booked one day prior to the train's departure date, excluding the journey date. Tatkal train tickets for AC classes such as 1A, 2A, 3A, CC, EC) can be booked from 10:00 AM on the day before the journey. For non-AC classes (like Sleeper and Second Sitting), tatkal bookings open at 11:00 AM on the same day. Aadhaar-based OTP authentication: From July 15, Aadhaar-based OTP authentication will become mandatory for Tatkal bookings. Passengers, who will be booking tatkal ticket, will need to enter a One-Time Password (OTP) sent to the mobile number linked with their Aadhaar during the booking process. How to Book a Tatkal Ticket from the IRCTC Portal? For the convenience of the passengers, we have mentioned the steps via which passengers can book the ticket Step 1: Go to the IRCTC website ( Step 2: Enter your username and password to complete the login process. Step 3: Enter the departure and destination stations, travel date, and class of travel. Step 4: In the quota dropdown, select the 'Tatkal' option. Step 5: On the next page, you'll see a list of available trains for the selected route. Step 6: Click on the class type available in the selected train. Step 7: To book a Tatkal ticket in the selected train, click on the 'Book Now' button. Step 8: Now fill in all the details, including the names of the passengers. Step 9: Enter the verification code. Step 10: Enter the passenger's mobile number to receive free SMS alerts for booking and cancellation. Step 11: Click the Continue button. Step 12: Review all the details, complete the payment process, and click Continue again. Step 13: Click on the 'Make Payment and Book' button. Starting July 1, 2025, only Aadhaar authenticated users will be allowed to book Tatkal Train Tickets on the IRCTC Website and Mobile Apps. If your user profile is not Aadhaar authenticated on the IRCTC app, then you will not be able to book tatkal train tickets.
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Time of India
IRCTC changes from today: Check these 2 changes from July 15, 2025 for train travelers
Aadhaar-based OTP authentication for tatkal train ticket booking Mandatory Aadhaar OTP verification at counters and through agents Aadhaar authentication mandatory to book tatkal train tickets How to Aadhaar authenticate your user profile on IRCTC? Higher train fares services from July 1, 2025 Reservation chart to be prepared 8 hours before departure The Indian Railways has made Aadhaar-based OTP authentication mandatory for all Tatkal ticket bookings. The new rule aims to curb misuse of Tatkal train ticket bookings and enhance ease of booking for general passengers from today, i.e., July 15, 2025. Whether you are booking train tickets online via IRCTC or offline via Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters and authorised agents, Aadhaar OTP verification will now be an essential step in the OTP authentication will become mandatory for Tatkal bookings made online from today. A passenger booking tatkal ticket will need to enter a One-Time Password (OTP) sent to the mobile number linked with their Aadhaar during the booking read: IRCTC's new tatkal rules you must know before your next confirmed train ticket booking: Know all FAQ's Tatkal tickets can be booked one day prior to the train's departure date, excluding the journey date. Tatkal train tickets for AC classes such as 1A, 2A, 3A, CC, EC) can be booked from 10:00 AM on the day before the journey. For non-AC classes (like Sleeper and Second Sitting), tatkal bookings open at 11:00 AM on the same if you are booking tatkal train ticket offline by visiting ticket counters or via authorised agent, even then Aadhaar OTP is mandatory for booking tatkal tickets.A tatkal tickets booked at computerised PRS counters and through authorised railway agents will require an extra layer of verification through Aadhaar OTP authentication from July 15, 2025. Passengers will have to provide their Aadhaar number and registered mobile number at the time of booking. Once the Aadhaar OTP is successfully authenticated then the train ticket will be July 1, 2025, only Aadhaar authenticated users will be allowed to book Tatkal Train Tickets on the IRCTC Website and Mobile Apps. If your user profile is not Aadhaar authenticated on the IRCTC app, then you will not be able to book tatkal train are the steps you should follow to Aadhaar authenticate your IRCTC User ID now by following these steps:Step 1: Log in to the IRCTC website or IRCTC Rail Connect Mobile 2: Go to "My Account".Step 3: Click on 'Authenticate User' and complete the IRCTC changes made in July 2025Booking time restriction for authorised agents: From July 1, 2025, authorised agents will be restricted from booking train tickets during specific time slots to prioritise train ticket bookings for individual AC classes train tickets: Agents cannot book tickets between 10:00 AM and 10:30 non-AC classes train tickets: Agents cannot book tickets between 11:00 AM and 11:30 Indian Railways hiked the train fares from July 1, 2025. The higher train ticket prices applies to premier and special train services, such as Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, Vande Bharat, Tejas, Humsafar, Amrit Bharat, Mahamana, Gatimaan, Antyodaya, Jan Shatabdi, Yuva Express, AC Vistadome coaches, Anubhuti coaches, and ordinary non-suburban services (after 500 km), based on the new fare structure for different read: New IRCTC rules to book train tickets from July 2025: Know these seven changes, how they affect you The railway board has proposed preparing the reservation chart eight hours before the departure. For trains departing before 1400 hours, the chart will be prepared the previous day at 2100 hrs itself. Earlier, the reservation chart was prepared four hours before the departure of the train, which gave very less time for passengers to look for alternative mode of travel.
