Indian Railways has introduced an important update to its ticket booking rules, effective from November 1, 2024. The Advance Reservation Period (ARP) for booking train tickets has been reduced from 120 days to 60 days, excluding the day of travel. This means that passengers can now book their tickets two months ahead of their journey date, instead of the previous four months. Bookings made prior to October 31 under the old 120-day rule will still be valid, as confirmed by the Railway Board’s announcement on October 17.
Benefits of the New 60-Day ARP
Reducing the booking window to 60 days is expected to help travelers by increasing seat availability closer to travel dates, benefiting those who plan last-minute trips. By limiting the potential for speculative bookings, Indian Railways aims to ensure more seats go to genuine passengers, minimizing cancellations and empty seats. With better insights into real booking patterns, the Railways can also optimize resources and plan additional trains and services more effectively.
Why the Change?
While no specific reason was disclosed by the government, reports indicate this change is likely driven by high cancellation and no-show rates in bookings. Data showed that nearly 21% of reservations made for trips scheduled 61 to 120 days out were eventually canceled, suggesting that passengers often booked without concrete plans. Additionally, around 4-5% of travelers didn’t cancel their tickets but failed to show up, leading to seat wastage.
Key Points and Exceptions
This new ARP mainly affects sleeper and AC class reservations, as general class tickets are typically bought nearer to the travel date and remain unaffected. Passengers can continue to book for up to six people on one form, provided they’re all traveling to the same destination on the same train. The Tatkal scheme remains in place for those requiring last-minute tickets, supporting travel needs within a day or two of booking.
Additionally, Indian Railways has recently adopted AI-enabled technology, including cameras to monitor train occupancy and assess food quality, as part of its modernization efforts noted by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for general guidance only. Please verify details with official Indian Railways sources, as rules and policies may be subject to change.
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