What Does This Mean for Passengers?
Frequent passengers of Indian Railways know that lower berths are highly sought after and are often the first to be reserved when booking opens. With the reduction in the booking window, passengers aiming for lower berths will need to act quickly. It is advised to book tickets as soon as possible within the 60-day window to increase the chances of getting a confirmed berth of your choice.
Those who delay booking may find themselves with middle or upper berths, or worse, be placed on RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) or waitlisted tickets, especially when booking closer to the journey date.
Key Points:
- New Rule Effective from November 1, 2024: The advance booking period is being reduced from 120 days to 60 days.
- No Impact on Existing Bookings: Passengers who have already booked their tickets under the 120-day rule will not be affected. Their tickets remain valid.
- Exceptions: No changes will be made for certain day-time express trains, which already operate under shorter booking windows. Additionally, the 365-day advance booking period for foreign tourists remains unchanged.
- Massive Impact: With 30-35 crore passengers traveling on Indian trains every year, this rule change will impact a significant number of travelers across the country.
Why the Change?
The reduction in the booking period is expected to make the reservation process more efficient by preventing speculative bookings and reducing the number of cancellations. Passengers are encouraged to plan their trips more carefully to ensure they secure a seat or berth that meets their preferences.
Conclusion
This new rule marks a significant change in how passengers plan their rail journeys. To avoid disappointment and to secure the best options, passengers should now aim to book tickets 60 days in advance. For those looking to secure lower berths or avoid being waitlisted, early booking will be more critical than ever before.
