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New train ticket booking rules: Why has Indian Railways cut the advance reservation period to 60 days? Top 5 reasons

| TOI Business Desk | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Oct 21, 2024, 15:40 IST

New IRCTC train ticket reservation rules 2024: Indian Railways ha... Read More

New IRCTC train ticket reservation rules 2024: Indian Railways has updated the advance reservation period for train ticket booking, reducing it from 120 days, to 60 days. The new advance train ticket booking rules will be effective from November 1, 2024.

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The new rules for advance train ticket reservations will not affect tickets that have already been booked. Since 1981, the Indian Railways' Advance Reservation Period (ARP) has undergone its 12th revision.

From September 1995 to February 1998, the shortest ARP duration was only 30 days. In April 2015, the Railways decided to significantly extend the ARP to 120 days, enabling passengers to reserve their tickets up to four months prior to their travel date.

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So why did Indian Railways decide to reduce the ARP to 60 days? We take a look at the top 5 reasons:

The 120-day reservation period for train tickets was found to be excessively long, leading to a high number of cancellations and wasted seats or berths due to passengers not showing up for their journeys. Currently, the cancellation rate stands at approximately 21%, while 4-5% of passengers fail to appear for their scheduled trips.
The issue of "no-shows" has been a significant concern, as many passengers neglect to cancel their tickets and do not turn up for their journeys. This behavior has led to various fraudulent activities, such as impersonation and illegal money collection by railway officials. By reducing the reservation period, these problems can be effectively addressed, says Indian Railways.

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Also, longer reservation periods increased the likelihood of individuals blocking tickets, potentially preventing genuine passengers from securing their desired seats.
Shorter reservation periods are expected to encourage more bookings by authentic travelers. It is important to note that this change does not impact General class tickets, as they are typically purchased just before the journey.
By improving the visibility of demand through reduced cancellations and no-shows, Indian Railways says it can plan and introduce more special trains well in advance, enhancing the overall efficiency and convenience for passengers.

Vande Metro exclusive first look: Check Top 10 Features & Images

Vande Metro train features: Vande Metro, a new train by Indian Railways for the common man, is all set to be flagged off by PM Narendra Modi on September 16. So, what is Vande Metro or Vande Bharat Metro as it is commonly called? What does the new train look like and what will be its route and features? Vande Metro trains for the unreserved passengers are being introduced for faster and more comfortable short distance intercity travel. TOI brings you an exclusive first look of the Vande Metro train ahead of its launch. Take a look at Vande Metro’s top features and images:

Vande Metro will be capable of attaining a maximum speed of 130 kmph. Like the Vande Bharat trains, the Vande Metro will also have faster acceleration and deceleration, reducing the overall travel time.

Vande Metro passenger capacity: Indian Railways officials told TOI that the 16 coach Vande Metro will be able to seat 1,150 passengers. Additionally, 2,058 passengers will be able to travel standing in the train.

Vande Metro Automatic Doors: Similar to metro trains, Indian Railways' Vande Metro train will also have automatic entry/exit doors for passengers. Each Vande Metro coach will have 4 automatic doors.

Vande Metro Features: The new Vande Metro coaches will have light aluminium racks for passengers to keep their luggage. The train will also have mobile charging sockets for the convenience of passengers.

Vande Metro is a fully air-conditioned train for the common man. The driver cabin at each end of the train is also air-conditioned. The train will have continuous LED lighting and wide panoramic windows.

Vande Metro Interior: The new Vande Metro train has CCTV cameras, Public information systems with LCD displays and route indicator displays as well for the safety and convenience of passengers.

Vande Metro Toilets: The new train will have bio-vacuum toilets similar to Vande Bharat Express trains. The modular toilets have automatic hand dryers. The train will also have a disabled-friendly toilet, as seen in the image.

Vande Metro Safety: The Vande Metro coaches have emergency talk back units so that passengers can easily contact the loco pilot in case of any untoward incident. The Vande Metro also has an automatic fire detection and alarm system.

Vande Metro Kavach: Similar to Vande Bharat trains, the new Vande Metro trains too will come equipped with the indigenous Kavach anti train collision system for the safety of passengers.

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Top Comment

Sandeep Kumar

31 days ago

No valid reason for reducing it to 60 days. If at all, they wanted it to reduce, it should have been 90 days. Now, getting tickets for festival season or vacation would be next to impossible. They don't bother to get feedback from common people. The business of agent/broker will flourish now. If they want revenue, let them introduce dynamic pricing in trains also.

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New train ticket booking rules: Why has Indian Railways cut the advance reservation period to 60 days? Top 5 reasons

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