What is the advance reservation period for train ticket?

Advance Reservation Period for Train Tickets: Revised by Indian Railways

Indian Railways, the country’s primary passenger rail network, has recently implemented a reduction in the advance booking period for train tickets. This change affects the flexibility of travellers in planning their rail journeys.

Previous Advance Reservation Period

Prior to this change, passengers were able to book train tickets up to 120 days in advance. This allowed for ample time to plan and secure reservations, especially during peak travel seasons.

Current Advance Reservation Period

Under the revised guidelines, the advance reservation period has been shortened to 60 days. This means that passengers can now book train tickets up to two months in advance, instead of four months.

Impact on Travellers

The reduction in advance booking period has implications for travellers in several ways:

• Less flexibility: Travellers have less time to plan their trips and secure reservations. This can be particularly challenging during peak travel seasons or for popular destinations.
• Increased competition: With a shorter booking window, tickets for popular trains are likely to sell out faster. Travellers may face increased competition in securing reservations.
• Difficulties in group bookings: Group bookings, which typically require multiple reservations, may become more difficult due to the limited availability of tickets.

Reasons for the Change

Indian Railways has cited several reasons for reducing the advance reservation period:

• Relieving pressure on railway infrastructure: By shortening the booking window, Railways aims to distribute the passenger load more evenly and reduce congestion on its network.
• Enhancing punctuality: Railways believes that a shorter booking period will give them more flexibility in managing train operations and improving punctuality.
• Curbing speculative bookings: The reduction aims to discourage passengers from hoarding reservations that they may not utilize, thereby freeing up tickets for genuine travellers.

Conclusion

Indian Railways’ decision to shorten the advance booking period for train tickets has significant implications for travellers. While the change may improve railway operations, it reduces the flexibility of passengers and increases competition for reservations. Travellers are advised to be aware of the revised booking window and plan their trips accordingly to secure timely reservations.