Indian Railways Pilots 24-Hour Advance Passenger Charts in Major Reform
Indian Railways has begun a pilot project to release final passenger charts 24 hours before train departure, a shift from the current practice of releasing them just 4 hours in advance. The move aims to reduce last-minute travel stress and improve planning, especially for waitlisted passengers.
Key Highlights:
Pilot Project: Rolled out under the Bikaner Division of the Western Railway from June 6.
Review Underway: Feasibility reports to be assessed before wider implementation across other divisions.
Passenger Benefits:
- Early charting allows better travel planning.
- Helps passengers from non-stoppage stations coordinate travel to major boarding points.
Tatkal Booking Rules Updated:
- Aadhaar verification is now mandatory.
- IRCTC users with Aadhaar-linked accounts get priority during the first 10 minutes of Tatkal booking.
- Agents barred from access during the initial window to curb touts.
Current System Recap:
- Charts are now made 4 hours before departure (or night before for early trains).
- Final chart updates waiting list statuses and reallocates quota seats.
- Fully confirmed e-tickets cannot be cancelled after charting; fully waitlisted e-tickets are auto-cancelled.
An official Railway Board decision is expected after the pilot concludes.
