Indian Railways has modified its guidelines for scheduling advance train tickets. In contrast to the existing 120-day booking period, travellers will now only be allowed to purchase IRCTC train tickets 60 days before the train’s scheduled departure, according to sources.,
According to sources, Indian Railways’ new regulation would take effect on November 1, 2024. It’s crucial to remember that the recently implemented guidelines for purchasing tickets for the Advance Train will not affect those that have already been purchased. The sources went on to say that although individuals may plan their trips and purchase tickets well in advance, customers had difficulties in the event of a train cancellation.
According to the sources, the decision to reduce the advance reservation period to 60 days was made in light of a number of factors, including improved passenger flow, the ability for people to plan impromptu travel, accurate itineraries, better planning, flexibility in responding to events and demand changes, and a decrease in cancellations and no shows. They said that the lengthy advance ticket purchasing period was being exploited by touts.
New Indian Railways Advance Booking Rules
- Bookings will be made by the 60-day ARP (Advance Reservation Period), which will take effect on November 1, 2024, except the day of travel. All reservations made up until October 31, 2024, under the 120-day ARP will, however, still be valid.
- Booking cancellations made after the 60-day ARP will be accepted.
- Certain daytime express trains, such as the Taj Express, Gomti Express, etc., which currently have shorter reservation deadlines, would not be affected. Additionally, the 365-day cap for international visitors won’t alter.
