Train Advance Ticket Booking Now Reduced to 60 Days, Effective November 1
New Advance Booking Rules Announced
Starting November 1, passengers will no longer be able to book train tickets 120 days in advance. The Indian Railways has reduced the advance booking window to 60 days. This new regulation aims to simplify travel planning for passengers, making it easier for them to secure tickets for their journeys.
Historical Changes to Advance Reservation Period
The Indian Railways has altered the Advance Reservation Period (ARP) 11 times since 1981. Over the years, this period has varied between 120 days to 45 days. With the new change set to take effect on November 1, the railways have clarified that passengers who have already booked tickets for four months in advance will not face any issues with their reservations. The current ARP of 120 days will remain in effect until October 31.
Special Provisions for Foreign Passengers
Foreign travelers will have a different set of rules. They can still book advance tickets for international trains, such as the Bandhan and Maitree Express, up to 365 days in advance. For other trains like the Gomti Express, the ARP will remain at 120 days, while the Taj Express will continue with a 30-day booking period.
Reasons Behind the Change
While the Indian Railways has not provided a specific explanation for reducing the advance booking period, Kaushik Mitra, the Chief Public Relations Officer of Eastern Railways, stated, “This change will benefit passengers. Planning a trip four months in advance can be quite challenging; reducing it to two months makes it much easier.”
Data Management Considerations
Some personnel from the Center for Railway Information Systems (CRIS), responsible for maintaining the online ticketing system, indicated that managing a large volume of data over a 120-day period is quite cumbersome. Reducing the ARP to 60 days may alleviate some of the pressure on computer systems, making operations more efficient.
The Indian Railways’ decision to cut down the advance ticket booking period to 60 days is a significant shift aimed at enhancing convenience for travelers. With the new rules set to take effect from November 1, passengers will find it easier to plan their trips without the stress of long-term reservations. This change reflects the railways’ commitment to adapting to the needs of modern travelers and streamlining the ticketing process.
