Indian Railways is set to implement a significant change in its reservation system, advancing the preparation of reservation charts to 8 hours before the scheduled departure of trains. This move, a shift from the current practice of preparing charts 4 hours prior to departure, aims to reduce uncertainty for passengers, particularly those with waitlisted tickets. The new rule is expected to be implemented in phases, starting in July 2025.
Under the revised system, for trains departing before 2:00 PM, the reservation chart will be prepared at 9:00 PM on the previous day. This adjustment is intended to provide passengers with earlier updates on their waitlist status, allowing them more time to make alternative travel arrangements if needed. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has endorsed this change, directing the Railway Board to implement it gradually to avoid disruptions. Vaishnaw has emphasized that the ticketing system should be smart, transparent, accessible, and efficient, with a focus on passenger convenience.
This decision is particularly beneficial for passengers traveling from remote locations or suburbs to catch long-distance trains. The earlier chart preparation will give them more time to assess their ticket status and plan accordingly. The Ministry of Railways noted that the current 4-hour window creates uncertainty, especially for those traveling from nearby areas to board their trains.
In addition to the change in chart preparation timing, Indian Railways is also upgrading its Passenger Reservation System (PRS), with completion expected by December 2025. The new PRS, developed by the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS), will be capable of handling ten times the current load. This upgrade will increase ticket booking capacity to over 150,000 tickets per minute and handle more than 4 million ticket enquiries per minute. The upgraded PRS will feature a user-friendly, multilingual interface with options for seat preference and fare calendars, as well as integrated support for Divyangjan (persons with disabilities), students, and patients.
Furthermore, Indian Railways is implementing stricter authentication measures for Tatkal bookings. Starting July 1, 2025, only verified users will be allowed to book Tatkal tickets on the IRCTC website and mobile app. OTP-based authentication will be introduced by the end of July 2025. Railway Minister Vaishnaw has directed officials to expand the authentication process to include Aadhaar or other valid government IDs stored in DigiLocker accounts.
These changes are part of a broader effort to modernize the Indian Railways ticketing system and enhance the overall passenger experience. By preparing reservation charts earlier, upgrading the PRS, and implementing stricter authentication measures, Indian Railways aims to provide a more efficient, transparent, and convenient travel experience for its passengers.
