Indian Railways has introduced a new, exciting update for train travellers: you can now book your tickets 60 days in advance! This change, effective from 1st November 2024, shortens the ticket reservation period from 120 days to 60 days. The new policy aims to streamline the booking process, reduce cancellations, and make it easier for genuine travellers to secure tickets, particularly during peak seasons.
A Positive Shift for Train Travellers
This exciting update for train travellers, allowing bookings 60 days in advance, comes as a welcome relief for many. The shorter reservation period is expected to ease the process and make tickets more accessible to those planning trips closer to their departure date. While the previous 120-day window allowed more time to book, it also led to a high rate of cancellations and no-shows, with around 21% of bookings for the 61-to-120-day period being cancelled. This trend of “no-shows” made it challenging for the railways to manage seat availability effectively.
The new policy is designed to curb this issue, helping Indian Railways offer a more streamlined, traveller-friendly experience. Notably, the policy change will not affect passengers who have already booked their tickets in advance under the old 120-day rule. Additionally, it has no impact on general-class ticket purchases, so passengers in general class can continue to book as they normally would. This exciting update for train travellers prioritises those who need a shorter, more practical booking window.
Enhanced Benefits for Domestic and Foreign Travellers
Indian Railways has been proactive in adapting its policies to better serve passengers, and this exciting update for train travellers is a perfect example. While domestic travellers will now book 60 days in advance, foreign tourists can still enjoy a 365-day advance reservation window, which remains unchanged. This allows international visitors ample time to plan their journeys within India, making the country’s vast railway network more accessible.
This new policy shift also means Indian Railways can forecast demand more effectively and deploy additional trains during peak travel periods. This is particularly important during festive seasons when passenger volumes increase significantly. For instance, Indian Railways has added over 170 special trains to accommodate travellers during Chhath Pooja, especially for popular routes to Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. To manage the rush, Government Railway Police (GRP) and Railways Protection Force (RPF) have been deployed to ensure passenger safety and crowd control. Rail Sewaks are also stationed at busy stations to assist passengers with any questions.
Practical Benefits of Booking 60 Days in Advance
With this exciting update for train travellers, Indian Railways is addressing ticket hoarding and making the process fairer. The shorter booking window discourages agents and non-travellers from hoarding tickets, which had previously limited availability for genuine travellers. By reducing the likelihood of cancellations and no-shows, the railways are better positioned to serve actual travellers, especially those booking closer to their travel dates.
Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of Information and Publicity for the Railway Board, remarked that this update allows for more effective planning of special trains during high-demand periods, reducing the hassle for passengers and ensuring a smoother travel experience. With better demand forecasting, the railways can deploy additional resources as needed, leading to a more efficient and accessible booking system.
Looking Forward: A Traveller-Centric Railway System
This exciting update for train travellers—now allowing bookings 60 days in advance—is more than a simple policy shift; it’s a commitment to making Indian Railways more responsive and passenger-friendly. By focusing on genuine travellers, reducing ticket cancellations, and improving planning for peak seasons, this change marks a significant step towards a more efficient and accessible railway system.
For anyone planning a journey across India’s railway network, this update provides a more practical and streamlined booking experience, making it easier to secure tickets without the need to plan far in advance. Whether you’re travelling for a festival, business, or a leisurely holiday, this exciting update for train travellers ensures you’ll enjoy a more convenient booking process in 2024.
