15 pairs of Special Trains Reservation Rules Modifies
Indian Railways modifies terms and conditions of booking of tickets for 15 pairs of Special Trains
The Advance Reservation Period (ARP) of these trains will be increased from 7 days to 30 days
The change shall be implemented with effect from train booking date 24th May 2025 and for train starting date of 31st May 2025 onwards
Indian Railways is presently running fifteen pairs of special Trains with effect from 12.05.20. For the convenience of the passengers, it has now been decided to revise certain terms and conditions of these 15 pairs of special trains as under :
The Advance Reservation Period (ARP) of these trains will be increased from 7 days to 30 days.
There shall be no Tatkal booking in these trains.
RAC/Waiting list tickets will be issued in these trains as per extant instructions applicable. However waitlisted passengers will not be allowed to board these trains as per extant instructions.
First chart shall be prepared at least 4 hours before scheduled departure and second chart shall be prepared at least 2 hours((unlike earlier practice of 30 minutes) before scheduled departure. Current booking shall be permitted in between first and second chart.
Booking of tickets shall be permissible through computerized PRS counters including Post Offices, Yatri Ticket Suvidha Kendra(YTSK) licensees etc, as well as through on-line booking including authorized agents of Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation(IRCTC) and Common Service Centres.
The above shall be implemented with effect from train booking date 24th May 2025 and for train starting date of 31st May 2025 onwards.
Here’s the official update on reservation rule changes for the 15 pairs of Special AC Trains operated from New Delhi starting mid‑May 2025 formally implemented with effect from train booking date 24 May 2020 (for journeys beginning 31 May 2025 onwards)
🆕 Key Modifications in Reservation Rules
- Advance Reservation Period (ARP)
- Increased from 7 days to 30 days.
- Now passengers could book up to 30 days ahead of travel
- Tatkal Booking
- Disabled entirely for these trains—no Tatkal facility available
- RAC / Waitlist Issuance & Boarding Policy
- RAC and WL tickets allowed per standard rules.
- WL passengers not permitted to board, even if charted—only confirmed or RAC tickets allowed onboard
- Reservation Charting Schedule Adjusted
- First chart prepared 4 hours before departure.
- Second chart prepared 2 hours before, replacing previous 30-minute window before departure.
- Booking remained open between chart preparations for flexibility
- Booking Channels
- Tickets could be booked via:
- IRCTC online portal / app,
- Computerized PRS counters (including Post Offices, YTSKs, CSCs),
- Authorized agents of IRCTC.
- Station booking counters remained closed initially
- Tickets could be booked via:
📋 Summary Table
| Rule / Feature | Modification Details |
|---|---|
| Advance Reservation Period (ARP) | Extended to 30 days |
| Tatkal Facility | Not available |
| RAC / Waitlist Issuance | Permitted, but WL holders cannot board |
| Reservation Chart Timing | 1st chart: –4h, 2nd chart: –2h |
| Booking Methods Allowed | IRCTC website/app, PRS counters, CSCs, agents |
🧠 Additional Context
- These trains were introduced as 15 pairs of AC specials from 12 May 2025, connecting New Delhi with cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, Howrah, and more. If you booked earlier, the revised rules applied from 24 May onward
- The changes were made to offer better booking windows, reduce uncertainty, and prevent misuse during early COVID-era resumption of services.
Would you like:
- A list of the actual train numbers and routes for these 15 pairs?
- How these rules compare with later special train operations (e.g. the 200 special trains from June 2025)?
- Insights on refund or cancellation rules specifically developed for these earlier special services?
Just say the word—happy to help further!