Indian Railways Reduces Advance Ticket Booking Period to 60 Days from November 1

Indian Railways has announced a significant change in its ticket booking system, reducing the advance reservation period (ARP) from 120 days to 60 days, effective from November 1, 2024. This new rule, outlined in an official circular, excludes the day of travel from the reservation window.

The decision aims to ease administrative burdens associated with cancellations and curb fraudulent activities by travel agents.

The circular, issued by Railways Director of Passenger Marketing, Sanjay Manocha, confirms that bookings made before October 31, 2024, under the previous ARP of 120 days, will remain valid.

What is the Advance Reservation Period?

The Advance Reservation Period (ARP) refers to the number of days passengers can book their train tickets before the actual travel date. Indian Railways allows passengers to reserve tickets in advance to secure their journey.

Previous Rules vs Upcoming Changes

• Previous Rule: Passengers could book train tickets up to 120 days in advance.
• Upcoming Change: Starting November 1, 2024, the ARP will be reduced to 60 days.

No Changes for Foreign Tourists and Select Trains

For foreign tourists, the ARP remains unchanged at 365 days, allowing them more flexibility for long-term planning. Additionally, the reduced 60-day booking window will not apply to certain daytime express trains, such as the Taj Express and Gomti Express, which already operate with a shorter reservation period.

• Foreign Tourists: The 365-day advance booking period remains unchanged for foreign travellers.
• Daytime Express Trains: Certain trains like Taj Express and Gomti Express already have shorter ARP, unaffected by the change.
• Existing Bookings: Tickets booked before October 31, 2024, under the 120-day rule will remain valid.

Cancellation Rules Remain Unchanged

Despite the reduction in the ARP, passengers who book their tickets beyond the 60-day limit will still be allowed to cancel their bookings according to the existing cancellation policies. This clarification ensures that the new rule won’t negatively impact customers who need to make changes after booking.

Enhanced Features of the Next-Generation E-Ticketing System

Indian Railways had previously upgraded its ticketing platform with the launch of the next-generation e-ticketing system on June 14, 2018.

The system introduced user-friendly features, including the ability to check train availability and seat status without logging in, and an option to adjust font size—making it more accessible for elderly passengers and those with visual impairments.

The platform also introduced the ‘My Transactions’ section, allowing users to manage their bookings based on journey date, booking date, and past trips.

Additionally, the system offers seamless navigation across multiple devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, ensuring a smoother booking experience for all users.

Payment Options and User-Friendly Booking Display

To simplify the payment process, the system enables users to save up to six preferred banks for faster checkout. Upon successful booking, details are displayed in a clear and organized manner, ensuring that travellers can easily track their reservations.

Indian Railways: A Global Transport Giant

Indian Railways boasts the fourth-largest rail network in the world, with over 67,000 kilometres of track. It serves an impressive 2.4 crore passengers daily, making it one of the most vital transportation systems globally.

Conclusion

With the upcoming changes in the advance reservation period and the continuous improvements in its e-ticketing system, Indian Railways aims to enhance customer convenience while tackling administrative challenges. Travellers are encouraged to take note of the new booking policies, especially as the November 1 deadline approaches.