Will Indian Railways Prepare Reservation Charts 8 Hours Before Train Departure?
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Synopsis
Discover how Indian Railways is transforming the passenger experience by preparing reservation charts 8 hours before train departures, enhancing transparency and convenience for travelers.
Key Takeaways
- Reservation charts will now be prepared 8 hours before train departures.
- This change aims to reduce passenger uncertainty, especially for those with waitlisted tickets.
- New PRS will enhance ticket booking efficiency.
- Only authenticated users can book Tatkal tickets from July 1.
- OTP-based authentication will be required by the end of July.
New Delhi, June 29 (NationPress) In a significant initiative to improve passenger satisfaction, Indian Railways announced on Sunday that it will now prepare the reservation chart 8 hours prior to the scheduled departure of trains, replacing the previous timeline of 4 hours.
This adjustment is designed to alleviate the confusion experienced by travelers, particularly those holding waitlisted tickets.
The resolution was made following a review by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw regarding the advancements in the ticket booking framework.
He emphasized that the entire ticketing process should be modern, clear, and efficient, prioritizing passenger convenience.
According to the updated plan, for trains scheduled to leave before 2 p.m., the reservation chart will be generated the night before at 9 p.m.
This change will be rolled out gradually to guarantee a seamless transition without any interruptions.
This initiative will particularly aid passengers traveling from remote areas or the outskirts of major cities, as they will now have ample time to verify their ticket status and arrange alternative travel plans if necessary.
Passengers with waitlisted tickets will receive timely updates regarding their ticket confirmation status, enhancing the predictability of their travel schedules.
In addition to this, Indian Railways is also focused on enhancing its Passenger Reservation System (PRS), which is anticipated to be finalized by December 2025.
The new PRS is being developed by the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) and will be capable of managing ten times the current load.
Once operational, it will facilitate the booking of over 1.5 lakh tickets every minute and manage over 40 lakh ticket inquiries per minute.
The revamped PRS will feature a user-friendly, multilingual interface, and introduce new functionalities such as fare calendars, seat preference selections, and integrated support for Divyangjan, students, and patients.
Moreover, starting July 1, only verified users will be permitted to book Tatkal tickets via the IRCTC website and mobile application.
By the end of July, Tatkal bookings will mandate OTP-based verification using Aadhaar or any other verified government ID linked to the user’s DigiLocker.
Point of View
It's clear that Indian Railways' commitment to enhancing passenger experience reflects a broader trend towards modernization in public transport. By prioritizing transparency and efficiency, this initiative demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing the needs of travelers, ensuring that the railway system remains a trusted mode of transportation.
NationPress
29/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new reservation chart preparation time for Indian Railways?
Indian Railways will now prepare the reservation chart 8 hours before the train's departure, replacing the previous preparation time of 4 hours.
How will this change benefit passengers?
This change will provide passengers, especially those with waitlisted tickets, more time to check their ticket status and make alternative travel arrangements if necessary.
When will the new Passenger Reservation System be implemented?
The new Passenger Reservation System (PRS) is expected to be completed by December 2025.
