Indian Railways ticket reservation rule to change from tomorrow

Indian Railways in a bid to provide relief to the passengers has decided to prepare the second reservation charts 30 minutes before the scheduled departure of trains from stations starting from tomorrow.

Earlier the system was modified to two hours in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic for the last few months.

In a statement, Indian Railways said as per the established pre-covid period instructions, the first reservation chart was prepared at least four hours before scheduled departure of trains. Thereafter, the available accommodation could be booked across PRS counters as well as through the internet on a first-come-first-serve basis till preparation of second reservation charts.

The 2nd reservation graphs were set up between 30 minutes to 5 minutes before planned/rescheduled season of takeoff of trains. Undoing of effectively reserved tickets was additionally allowed during this period according to arrangements of Refund Rules. 

Due to the Covid



pandemic, directions were given to move the hour of arrangement of the subsequent reservation diagram to two hours before planned/rescheduled season of train takeoff.

“As per request of Zonal Railways for ensuring convenience of rail passengers, the matter has been examined and it has been decided that the second reservation chart shall be prepared at least 30 minutes before scheduled/rescheduled time of departure of train," the statement said.

"Accordingly, ticket booking facility, both online and on PRS ticket counters, shall be available, before preparation of second chart. CRIS will make necessary modifications in the software accordingly so as to restore this provision with effect from October 10," it said.

The Railways had suspended all passenger trains services due to the imposition of the nationwide lockdown from March 25. However, it resumed services in a staggered manner beginning with Shramik Special trains to help stranded migrant workers reach their home states from May 1.