‘From 120 days to…’: Railways shortens advance booking period

New Delhi: In a major development aimed at improving the ticketing process and easing the burden of long waiting lists, Indian Railways has announced a reduction in its Advance Reservation Period (ARP) for train tickets. It will come into effect from November 1, 2024. Passengers will now be able to book tickets only 60 days in advance, down from the earlier limit of 120 days.

The decision, taken by the Railway Board, is intended to streamline the ticket booking system and offer greater flexibility to travellers. Officials explained that reducing the ARP would help accommodate more spontaneous travel plans and reduce issues caused by last-minute cancellations or changes in travel schedules. Passengers had previously faced problems when trains were cancelled, or plans changed long after tickets were booked.

Policy for foreign tourists remains unaffected

For trains that complete their journey within the same day, such as the Taj Express and Gomti Express, the current lower limits for advance reservations will remain unchanged. Additionally, the policy for foreign tourists remains unaffected, allowing them to book tickets up to 365 days in advance, ensuring their long-term travel plans can be secured without disruption.

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This move is part of Indian Railways’ broader efforts to enhance efficiency and passenger experience. By shortening the booking window, the organisation aims to reduce misuse of the system by touts and better respond to fluctuating travel demand.

Already booked tickets will not be affected by the change

Passengers who have already booked tickets under the current 120-day period for journeys after October 31, 2024 will not be affected by the change, and all such bookings will remain valid.

As part of its ongoing technological advancements, Indian Railways is also leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to improve various aspects of its operations. AI-enabled systems are being used to monitor train occupancy and ensure better availability of confirmed tickets, resulting in a reported 30% increase in ticket confirmations.