IRCTC-New-Rule : Indian Railways has made a big change in its ticket booking rules. This new rule will come into effect from November 1, 2024. Under this change, now passengers will be able to book tickets in advance only up to 60 days before their journey. Earlier this time limit was 120 days. Railways says that this change will make it easier for passengers to book tickets and the problem of ticket cancellation will also be reduced.
This new rule will be applicable on all class tickets, whether AC or non-AC. However, this rule will not be applicable on some day express trains like Taj Express and Gomti Express. The facility of 365 days advance booking for foreign tourists will continue as before. Let us know about this new rule in detail.
What is the new ticket booking rule of IRCTC?
IRCTC’s new ticket booking rule allows passengers to book tickets only 60 days before their journey. This rule will come into effect from November 1, 2024. This means that if you want to travel on January 1, 2025, you will not be able to book your ticket before November 2, 2024.
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Key points of the New Testament
| Description | New Testament |
| Advance booking period | 60 days |
| Effective date | 1 November 2024 |
| Applicable categories | All AC and Non-AC |
| Discounted trains | express train for some days |
| Rules for foreign tourists | 365 days booking open |
| Impact on old bookings | no effect |
| Cancellation Policy | no changes |
What is the purpose of the New Testament?
Railways says that the main objective of this new rule is to provide better service to the passengers. There are many reasons behind this:
- Reducing ticket cancellations: The 120-day period was too long, which led many people to book tickets and later cancel them. This caused inconvenience to other passengers.
- Reducing no-shows: Many passengers booked tickets but did not turn up for the trip. This left seats vacant.
- To prevent black marketing of tickets: Taking advantage of the long duration, some people would buy tickets and sell them later at higher prices.
- Opportunity for genuine travellers: Shorter duration will increase the chances of genuine travellers getting tickets.
- Better planning: Will help railways to accurately estimate the demand for trains.
What will be the effect of the new rule?
This new rule will affect both passengers and railways:
Impact on passengers
- Less time: Passengers will now have less time to book tickets.
- Better availability: Genuine travellers will be more likely to get tickets.
- Fewer cancellations: As the travel date gets closer, there will be fewer cancellations.
- Flexibility: There will be more time to change travel plans.
Impact on railways
- Better planning: It will help railways to accurately estimate the demand for trains.
- Improved revenue: Fewer cancellations and no-shows will lead to increased revenue.
- Seat Utilization: The number of vacant seats will be less.
- Ban on black marketing: Black marketing of tickets will reduce.
Exceptions to the New Rule
However, this new rule will not apply to all trains. There are some exceptions:
- Day Express Trains: The old rule will remain applicable on some day trains like Taj Express and Gomti Express.
- Foreign Tourists: The facility of 365 days advance booking for foreign tourists will continue.
- Old Bookings: All bookings made till October 31, 2024 will remain valid.
Benefits of the New Testament
This new rule is expected to have several benefits:
- Better seat availability: Genuine passengers will have an increased chance of getting tickets.
- Fewer cancellations: As the travel date gets closer, there will be fewer cancellations.
- Ban on black marketing: Black marketing of tickets will reduce.
- Better planning: It will help railways to accurately estimate the demand for trains.
- Increase in revenue: Fewer cancellations and no-shows will lead to increase in railway revenue.
Challenges of the New Testament
However, this new rule may also pose some challenges:
- Less time: Travelers will have less time to plan.
- Pressure on Tatkal tickets: The 60-day limit may increase demand for Tatkal tickets.
- Impact on long distance travel: There may be difficulty in planning long distance travel.
- Festival Time Bookings: Ticket bookings during festival times can be difficult.
Frequently asked questions about the new rules
- Will old bookings be affected?
No, all bookings made till October 31, 2024 will remain valid. - Will there be any change in Tatkal tickets?
No, there is no change in the rules for Tatkal tickets. - Is there any change for foreign tourists?
No, the facility of 365 days advance booking for foreign tourists will continue. - Will this rule apply to all trains?
No, this rule will not apply to express trains on some days. - Is there any change in the cancellation policy?
No, there is no change in the cancellation policy.
Influence of the New Testament
This new rule is expected to have a profound impact on both passengers and railways:
Impact on passengers
- Change in plans: Travelers will now have to plan their travel early.
- Ticket Availability: Chances of genuine travellers getting tickets will increase.
- Fewer cancellations: As the travel date gets closer, there will be fewer cancellations.
- Flexibility: There will be more time to change travel plans.
Effect on railways
- Better planning: It will help railways to accurately estimate the demand for trains.
- Improved revenue: Fewer cancellations and no-shows will lead to increased revenue.
- Seat Utilization: The number of vacant seats will be less.
- Ban on black marketing: Black marketing of tickets will reduce.
Preparing for the New Testament
Travelers should be prepared for this new rule:
- Plan in advance: Plan your trip in advance.
- Keep an eye on the calendar: Note the ticket booking date in the calendar.
- Use IRCTC App: Booking tickets will be easy with IRCTC app.
- Make an alternate plan: If you don’t get tickets, have an alternate plan ready.
- Be aware of the rules: Keep getting information about the new rules on IRCTC website.
Disclaimer: This article is written for information purposes only. Although the information given in it is taken from reliable sources, passengers should still confirm the latest information and rules from the official website or helpline of IRCTC. Rules may change at any time, so always get updated information before traveling.
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