- IRCTC changes rules
Chronicle Reporter, Bhopal
Indian Railways has made a big change in its ticket booking system from Friday. This new rule has come into effect from November 1, which brings significant changes in the ticket booking process for passengers. Under this new rule, passengers will now be able to book tickets only 60 days before their journey, whereas earlier this time limit was 120 days.
Senior DCM of West Central Railway Saurabh Kataria said that this change has been made for several reasons, including reducing the rate of ticket cancellation and ensuring better use of seats.
Reasons for implementing new rules
Reducing cancellation rate: The 120-day period was too long, which led to ticket cancellation rates reaching around 21%.
No-show problem: 4-5% passengers were not turning up for their journey, leaving seats vacant.
Preventing fake bookings: A longer period will reduce the problem of ticket blocking and black marketing.
Better planning: A shorter period will help the railways plan special trains better.
Benefits to genuine passengers: A shorter period will increase the chances of genuine passengers getting tickets.
This will have an impact on passengers
Planning in a shorter time: Now passengers will have to plan their journey within 60 days.
Better seat availability: With fewer cancellations, genuine passengers will have an increased chance of getting seats.
Less flexibility: Passengers who plan for a longer period may face problems.
Demand for tatkal tickets: The 60-day limit may increase the demand for tatkal tickets.
Change in travel cost: Booking tickets in a short time may lead to fluctuations in fares.
Plan on time
Kataria appealed to passengers to plan their journey 60 days in advance.
Use of IRCTC app
Booking tickets through the app is easy and fast.
Set alert: Set alert for the day booking starts.
Tatkal option: If you do not get a confirmed ticket, keep the option of tatkal also.
