Indian Railways has made a major change to its ticket booking policy, reducing the advance reservation period for train tickets from 120 days to 60 days.

This decision has sparked curiosity among frequent travelers and raised questions about the rationale behind the reduction. Let's explore why Indian Railways made this move and what it means for passengers.

Reason for the Reduction in Advance Booking Period

1. Reducing the misuse of reservations:

One of the primary reasons for cutting down the booking period is to curb ticket hoarding by touts and unauthorized agents. When the booking window was 120 days, there was a higher chance for agents to block tickets and resell them at inflated prices closer to the date of travel.

2. Better management of waitlisted passengers:

With a shorter advance booking period, Indian Railways can more efficiently manage waitlisted passengers. The long 120-day period resulted in a large number of waitlisted passengers, many of whom didn't end up traveling, causing issues in seat allocation and planning.

3. Enhancing availability:

A shorter booking window increases the availability of tickets for genuine travelers. Many passengers make last-minute plans or face sudden travel requirements, and the reduction to 60 days ensures that tickets are not booked out far in advance, allowing better chances for these travelers to secure seats.

Impact on Passengers

1. More flexibility for travelers:

For those who make sudden travel plans, the 60-day window offers a better chance to book tickets closer to their travel date. Travelers can now plan their journeys with more flexibility rather than locking in their tickets months in advance.

2. Higher chances of confirmed seats:

With reduced chances of touts booking and reselling tickets, genuine passengers now have a higher chance of getting confirmed seats, even for popular routes. This change will likely reduce the frustration associated with long waitlists.

Response from Travelers

Mixed reactions:

While some passengers appreciate the flexibility and availability brought by the shorter booking period, others, especially those who plan their trips well in advance, find the 60-day period limiting. For travelers who prefer planning months ahead, this change requires a shift in approach.

How to Plan with the New 60-Day Window

Track train schedules:

Since booking now opens 60 days in advance, frequent travelers are advised to keep an eye on train schedules and make reservations as soon as the window opens to secure seats, especially during peak travel seasons.

Opt for waitlist predictions:

IRCTC's system includes features that predict the likelihood of waitlisted tickets being confirmed. Make use of this tool to assess your chances of getting a confirmed ticket if you're booking closer to the date of travel.

Indian Railways' decision to reduce the advance ticket reservation period from 120 to 60 days aims to improve the ticketing system by reducing misuse, enhancing availability for genuine passengers, and making waitlist management more efficient. Dear Lykkers, while it may take some time for travelers to adjust to the change, the overall benefits are expected to improve the experience for many passengers.