Indian Railways has announced revised train ticket booking timings and updated reservation rules, effective 15 February, bringing significant changes for millions of passengers who rely on online ticket booking through IRCTC. The move aims to reduce system congestion, curb misuse by agents and bots, and ensure fair access to genuine travellers.
These changes mainly impact advance ticket booking hours, Aadhaar-authenticated users, and the overall reservation workflow.
New Train Ticket Booking Timings Explained
As per the revised guidelines, Indian Railways has streamlined the daily ticket booking schedule to improve system stability and passenger experience.
Updated Booking Hours
- Online ticket booking will be available from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily
- Advance reservation tickets (up to 60 days before the journey) will now open at 8:00 AM
- Booking outside these hours will remain unavailable on IRCTC’s platform
This structured timing is expected to reduce heavy server load during late-night hours and minimize booking failures.
Tatkal Ticket Booking Timings Remain Unchanged
Passengers planning last-minute travel can continue booking Tatkal tickets at the same time slots:
- AC Classes: 10:00 AM
- Non-AC Classes: 11:00 AM
However, Aadhaar authentication remains mandatory for Tatkal bookings, a rule introduced earlier to prevent misuse.
Priority Booking for Aadhaar-Authenticated IRCTC Users
One of the most important changes is the priority booking window for Aadhaar-verified IRCTC accounts.
What This Means for Passengers
- On the first day of the advance reservation period, only Aadhaar-authenticated users will be allowed to book tickets online during the initial priority window
- This measure is aimed at ensuring fair access and reducing bulk bookings by agents and automated software
- Passengers without Aadhaar authentication can still book tickets after the priority window or directly from PRS counters at railway stations
Indian Railways has clarified that Aadhaar linking is encouraged but not mandatory for offline bookings.
Why Indian Railways Introduced These Changes
The revised booking system is part of a broader digital reform strategy by Indian Railways. Key objectives include:
- Reducing congestion on IRCTC servers during peak hours
- Preventing unfair booking practices and ticket hoarding
- Improving booking success rates for genuine passengers
- Enhancing transparency and efficiency in the reservation process
With train travel demand consistently rising, especially on high-traffic routes, these steps aim to create a more balanced and reliable booking experience.
Other Important Reservation Rules to Remember
Alongside booking time changes, passengers should note the following:
- The advance reservation period is capped at 60 days before the journey date
- Reservation charts are now prepared well before departure, allowing passengers to know their confirmation status earlier
- Aadhaar authentication is mandatory for Tatkal bookings and prioritized for early general reservations
What Passengers Should Do Now
To avoid last-minute issues, travellers are advised to:
- Link Aadhaar with their IRCTC account to access priority booking benefits
- Plan bookings within the 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM window
- Double-check Tatkal booking timings before attempting last-minute reservations
- Use PRS counters if online booking access is restricted
Final Words
The revised train ticket booking timings effective from 15 February mark another step toward a fairer and more efficient railway reservation system. While Aadhaar-authenticated users gain early access benefits, Indian Railways has ensured that alternative booking options remain open for all passengers.
Travellers are encouraged to stay updated with IRCTC guidelines and plan their bookings accordingly to avoid inconvenience.