- Starting November 1, 2024, Indian Railways will shorten its Advance Reservation Period for train tickets from 120 days to 60 days.
- This adjustment, aimed at enhancing booking efficiency and minimizing last-minute cancellations, means passengers can now book tickets up to two months in advance rather than the previous four-month window.
- The new policy is part of Indian Railways' broader efforts to streamline the reservation system and make the booking process more responsive to actual demand.
Indian Railways Shortens Ticket Booking Window to 60 Days Starting November 1, 2024
From November 1, 2024, Indian Railways has updated its advance ticket booking rules, allowing passengers to reserve train tickets up to 60 days before departure, down from the previous 120-day window. This adjustment aims to improve booking efficiency and reduce the high rate of cancellations tied to long-term reservations. Importantly, this change will not affect tickets already booked under the former 120-day system.
Why the Shift from 120 Days to 60 Days?
The new 60-day Advance Reservation Period (ARP) reflects Indian Railways' focus on creating a more flexible and responsive booking system. By shortening the reservation window, passengers gain more adaptability for last-minute travel plans, and the railways can reduce issues from speculative bookings, such as ticket touting. This shift is expected to make travel planning more convenient while combating ticket hoarding that often stems from longer booking periods.
Key Details of the New Booking Rules
Under the revised policy:
- Tickets reserved beyond the new 60-day period before November 1 will still be honored, and passengers can cancel them as needed through standard procedures.
- Restrictions on certain daytime Express trains, like the "Taj Express" and "Gomti Express," remain unchanged, preserving the shorter booking windows for these popular services.
- The allowance for foreign tourists to book tickets up to 365 days in advance also remains unaffected by the new regulations.
This modification marks the 12th adjustment to the ARP since 1981. The booking period, which varied over the years, was last extended to 120 days in April 2015 to allow four months of planning. Now, however, the shorter booking window aligns better with passenger needs and the operational demands of the railway network.
AI Enhancements in Seat Allocation
Alongside these booking changes, Indian Railways is advancing its technological capabilities, now using artificial intelligence to improve seat allocation for waitlisted passengers. This AI-powered system evaluates reservation data and identifies vacant seats when reservation charts are created, about four hours before train departure. This automation enables a more effective distribution of available seats, ensuring a smoother experience for travelers waiting to confirm their bookings.
As Indian Railways adapts to evolving passenger needs, these changes in ticket booking policies and technological upgrades signify the organization’s commitment to enhancing efficiency and passenger satisfaction across its services.
