Indian Railway Ticket Booking Rules: Important Changes for Passengers in Ticket Booking Rules Made by Indian Railways. New Rules These are set to be effective from 1st November, 2024 and help passengers easily plan their journeys as well as stop black-marketing of tickets. In this article, we will get into further details regarding these changes and know how beneficial it would be for the passengers concerned regarding these new rules.
This change will make ticket booking much easier for passengers and enable the Railways to assess passenger demand accurately. Let us now have a detailed account of these new rules and also their implications for travel facilitation.
Changes In The Advance Reservation Period (ARP)
Public Railways of India have now cut the Advance Reservation Period from 120 days down to 60. To put it simply, Passengers can now book only up to 60 days in advance from their travel date. This applies for all classes of tickets and will not affect the pre-booking of tickets.
Purpose Of The New Rule
Railways notice said that the major aim for this modification was to facilitate poor passengers and avoid the tickets black-marketing. This decision was made on other cancellations of pre-booked tickets. Thus, railways will be benefited to assess the actual demand of passengers quite accurately. Now there will be only 60 days for passengers to book tickets. Going to bring flexibility to passengers during the journey planning, the change enables tickets to be purchased nearer to travel, thus avoiding the need for schedule changes by passengers.
Ban On Black Marketing
This change will put a stop to the black market ticketing. With this, it will be really tough for agents to book tickets for a long time because of the short time. It allows common passengers to book tickets straight. Planning becomes easier for passengers. The 60-day limit will allow passengers to buy their tickets according to their timetable. This is also expected to bring down the cancellations.
Which Categories Would The New Rule Apply
The new rule will be equally applicable for all categories. This includes both AC and non-AC categories. It does not matter if you are traveling in sleeper class or AC first class, the advanced reservation period of 60 days will apply for all. This new rule does not apply to the pre-booked tickets; hence, it will not apply for the booked tickets under 120 days ARP till 31 October 2024. Passengers need not be worried about their pre-booked tickets.
Effect Of Rule On Special Trains
Modification of Existing Day Time Express Trains: Taj Express and Gomti Express among others are older express trains that have not been modified for new rules. The new regulation does not concern such trains having already been under a short reservation period.
Rules For Foreign Tourists
This will remain the same, with foreign tourists allowed to book 365 days in advance. This is the same rule as all other Indian Railways passengers for foreign people and will not require changes in travel plans.
New Rule And Benefits
Flexible trip planning – Now passengers will have the flexibility to make closer trips to the day of travel, leaving little room for adjustments, and in case problems arise, hopefully minimizing any such changes required.
Fewer cancellations – One of the predictions it makes is that because a shorter period is involved, a lower number of cancellations should follow.
Improved availability – Genuine prospective passengers would have greater chances of securing a ticket for desired travel.
Benefits For Railways
Better on planning – Better-planning special trains by railways during peak.
Actual assessment of demand – With a limit of 60 days, Railways will be able to accurately gauge the real demand of passengers.
Revenue generation – It is expected to be increased as a consequence of the reduction in cancellation and improved seat utilization.
Use Of AI And Improvements In Passenger Amenities
Indian Railways is felt to start using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in its services, which is improving seat availability and cleanliness.
Effect Of AI Model
Increase in Seat Availability – AI model helps to increase the number of available seats by 30%-30%.
Improvement In Hygiene – The level of hygiene is improving because of putting AI-based cameras in railway kitchens.
Improved Passenger Experience – Passengers now are getting much better good services and facilities with the use of artificial intelligence.
Effect Of New Rule On Various Passenger Categories
General passengers – Most of the benefits should go to general passengers. They will now get to book tickets closer to their travel date, and infrequent travel will no longer require rearrangement to their schedule. As such, cancellations will decrease.
Business Travelers- Business travelers will also find a flexibility in planning their travel because they can buy their tickets as per their business schedules.
Students and examinees – This rule may be difficult for students or examinees since they may have to book their tickets based on the exam timetable, but Railways made it clear that they take into account this category.
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