The Ministry of Railways has taken a significant decision to enhance passenger convenience by updating the schedule for preparing train reservation charts. To reduce uncertainty for travelers, the first reservation chart will now be finalized at least 10 hours before the train’s scheduled departure. This is a further extension from the previous 8-hour window implemented in July, and the original 4-hour rule.
New Chart Preparation Timings
According to the updated schedule issued by the Railway Board, the timing for chart preparation depends on the train’s departure slot:
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Morning Trains (5:00 AM to 2:00 PM): The reservation chart will be finalized by 8:00 PM the previous night.
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Afternoon & Night Trains (2:01 PM to 11:59 PM): The chart will be prepared at least 10 hours before departure.
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Late Night/Early Morning Trains (12:00 AM to 5:00 AM): The chart will also be prepared at least 10 hours in advance.
Benefits for Passengers
The primary goal of this decision is to eliminate last-minute stress for travelers, especially those on long-distance routes. By knowing their ticket status (Confirmed/Waitlisted) 10 hours in advance, passengers can make informed decisions and seek alternative travel arrangements if necessary. Railway officials stated that this move ensures smoother travel planning and better coordination for accommodation and connecting journeys. Additionally, the Board reminded passengers that Aadhaar authentication is now mandatory for Tatkal ticket bookings to curb misuse.
Update on IRCTC e-Wallet
In a separate clarification, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha that funds deposited in the IRCTC e-Wallet cannot be withdrawn as cash. According to RBI guidelines for prepaid payment instruments, the balance can only be used to book train tickets. However, if a user decides to permanently close their IRCTC account, the remaining balance will be refunded to their registered bank account. This serves as a security measure to maintain the integrity of the digital payment system within the railways.
