Planning a spontaneous train trip can be challenging. Beginning in 2025, Indian Railways will be implementing new changes to the Tatkal ticket booking system in order to reduce misuse and improve accessibility. Be it the IRCTC website or the mobile application, following the new rules will enable a confirmed ticket without wasting time. Let us look at the changes every traveller needs to remember before booking a ticket.
Understanding Tatkal Booking
Tatkal booking allows users to book a seat on short notice and can be done a day before the intended journey. It is designed to meet urgent travel requirements and is often out of stock on popular routes. The supply is often limited, and the demand is immense. Knowing the system helps improve the chances of a ticket.
Eligibility and Timing
Tatkal bookings can only be done by Indian nationals; however, a passport is required for foreign travellers. For AC class, bookings open at 10 am and for non-AC class at 11 am. Payments need to be completed in the given timeline to avoid session timeouts. Establishing reminders can prove to be helpful five minutes before the booking time.
Charges and Quota
Tatkal fares are accompanied by an additional charge that is an extra cost to the ticket price, and is of a different value for each class and distance. Quotas set aside 10 percent of seats for the tatkal scheme, but this is subject to variations based on the season. During booking, the entire amount gets deducted in full and booking cancellation provides only a partial refund according to the new terms of IRCTC. When planning the budget for this service, remember to include the additional costs.
Booking Process
For convenience, download the IRCTC app. Booking begins the same way as any other ticket; first login into the IRCTC account and autofill the passengers’ details. During the booking stage, remember to select tatkal from the boarding pass drop down. During the payment phase, confirm the trip details, select preferred berths if offered, and head to payment. If you have a fast internet connection and the autofill app, you can accomplish all of the above in a matter of seconds.
Compliance and Penalties
All passengers boarding the service have to present a valid photo identification that should have their face matched with the details provided during the booking stage. Violations of this rule will lead to cancellation of the ticket with no refund. With the new regulations in place, agents and apps that provide booking in bulk are subject to being blacklisted. To avoid being fined and having their travel plans disrupted, all buyers should purchase from the official portals of IRCTC.
Fundamental Guidelines Overview
- Tatkal begins one day prior to journey date (excluding travel date).
- For AC classes, reservations can be made at 10 AM, and for Non-AC at 11 AM.
- For Foreigners, only Indian nationals can apply; Passport details for foreigners needed.
- Tatkal quota is 10 percent of seats.
- Full payment charged immediately; cancellation will result in partial refund.
- Linking with Valid Photo ID is required and Mandatory.
- Booking only on Official IRCTC websites; no other agents.
- Buyer beware: fast payment completion recommended due to session timer.