New IRCTC train ticket advance booking rules: If you are planning to book a train ticket in advance, then it is important to be aware of the new Indian Railways advance train ticket booking rules that have come into effect from November 1, 2024. Indian Railways has announced modifications to its advance ticket booking system.
Starting November 1, 2024, passengers can reserve train tickets 60 days before departure, replacing the existing 120-day advance booking window. The implementation of these new regulations won’t affect previously booked tickets.
This change in advance reservation period from 120 days to 60 days aims to address issues faced by passengers when trains are cancelled after booking tickets far in advance. The change aims to create a more efficient booking system.
The reduction to 60 days considers several factors including flexibility for spontaneous travel, precise journey planning, and reduced cancellations. Sources indicate this change will help combat ticket touting activities that exploited the longer booking period.
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With effect from 01.11.2024, the ARP or Advance Reservation Period will be 60 days (excluding the day of journey) and bookings will be done accordingly. However, all bookings done up to 31.10.2024 under the ARP of 120 days will remain intact.
New Train Ticket Booking Rules Explained:
- The Indian Railways has revised its advance reservation policies, implementing a new 60-day Advance Reservation Period (ARP) starting November 1, 2024. This replaces the previous 120-day window. All reservations made before October 31, 2024, under the existing 120-day ARP will remain valid.
- Passengers who have made bookings beyond the new 60-day window will still be able to cancel their tickets if needed. The railway authorities will process these cancellations according to standard procedures.
- The existing booking restrictions for specific daytime Express services, including “Taj Express” and “Gomti Express,” will continue unchanged. Additionally, the special provision allowing foreign tourists to book tickets 365 days in advance remains unaltered under the new guidelines.
The Advance Reservation Period has been modified 12 times since 1981. The system previously operated with a 30-day window from September 1995 to February 1998, and in April 2015, it was extended to 120 days to allow bookings four months ahead.
Indian Railways is also advancing its technological capabilities through AI implementation. Indian Railways has implemented artificial intelligence technology to enhance train seat allocation. The system utilizes an AI-powered solution that examines passenger data and forecasts vacant seats following the creation of reservation charts, which occurs four hours prior to departure. This automated process enables more effective distribution of seats to waitlisted travelers.