Indian Railways’ New Rule: Waitlisted Passengers to Get Confirmation Updates 24 Hours in Advance
Train Ticket: If you often travel by train and rely on last-minute bookings like Tatkal, here’s some welcome news. Indian Railways has rolled out a new initiative aimed at reducing uncertainty and stress for waitlisted passengers. Under this change, the final reservation chart will now be prepared 24 hours before a train’s departure, instead of just a few hours before.
This move is already being tested in the Bikaner division from June 6, and the early feedback has been very positive.
What’s Changing for Train Passengers?
Traditionally, the final reservation chart was created just 2.5 to 4 hours before departure. This left very little time for passengers with waitlisted tickets to find alternatives if their seats weren’t confirmed.
With the new system, passengers will now know their booking status a full day in advance. This will give them more time to either make alternate travel plans or prepare accordingly. For those traveling on high-demand routes like Delhi-Bihar, UP-Mumbai, or Bengal-Gujarat, where waiting lists often exceed hundreds, this change can be a game-changer.
Benefits for Passengers and Railways
Train Ticket: In the first four days of the trial, passengers reported having more clarity and peace of mind. They could plan better without the stress of last-minute surprises.
The new charting system also benefits Indian Railways. With early insights into confirmed bookings and pending waitlists, authorities can proactively add extra coaches, run special or clone trains, or make other logistical arrangements in time to manage the passenger load.
No Change to Existing Booking Rules
It’s important to note that there is no change in existing ticketing rules, including Tatkal bookings. The reservation system, ticket quotas, and cancellation policies remain the same. The only difference is that now passengers will get the final status of their tickets 24 hours earlier than before.
How Did the Idea Start?
This initiative was first suggested by local railway officials during Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s visit to Bikaner on May 21. The idea was to reduce last-minute chaos and confusion among passengers. The Minister immediately approved the suggestion, and the system was implemented on a pilot basis.
What’s Next?
Given the success of the trial in the Bikaner division, Indian Railways is planning to extend this initiative to other busy routes across the country. If rolled out nationwide, this new approach could revolutionize the travel experience by offering passengers more certainty, better options, and less last-minute stress.
Conclusion
With the final chart now being prepared 24 hours in advance, waitlisted passengers will no longer be left hanging. This change brings much-needed transparency and flexibility to train travel in India. As the system expands, both passengers and Indian Railways stand to benefit significantly.
