Indian Railways Revises Reservation Chart Timing to Four Hours Before Departure

New Delhi: Indian Railways has revised the timing for preparing reservation charts to enhance convenience for train passengers. The move is aimed at helping travelers plan their journeys in advance and check seat availability at the last minute.

Under the new rule, the first reservation chart will be published exactly four hours before the scheduled departure of a train. Earlier, there was no uniformity in chart preparation times across trains. Going forward, the four-hour rule will apply uniformly to all trains.

Even after the publication of the first chart, passengers can book tickets online or through PRS counters if seats remain available. The second and final chart will be prepared 30 minutes before the train’s departure.

Seats that become available due to ticket cancellations during this period will be allotted to passengers on the waiting list based on priority. A railway spokesperson said the new system will help reduce crowding at stations and provide passengers with accurate information well in advance.

With trains often running late due to pollution and fog, this precise charting schedule is expected to be particularly beneficial for passengers. While charting times may be adjusted in line with changes to train schedules, zonal railways have been instructed to adhere to the four-hour rule.

Previously, passengers often received ticket status updates very late. The new revision is expected to address this issue and improve overall travel planning.

Meanwhile, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated in LokSabha that people who have deposited money in the e-wallet account of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) can use it only for purchasing tickets and cannot withdraw it, but the money will be transferred back to the user's bank account once the e-wallet account is closed.