Railway Clarification About Ticket Reservation After 14-04-2025
Railway Clarification About Ticket Reservation After 14th April 2025
In view of certain media reports that Railways has started reservation for post lock down period, It is clarified that reservation for journeys post 14th April was never stopped and is not related to any new announcement.
CLARIFICATION
- A section of media is reporting that Railways has resumed ticket booking from 15th April, which is not correct.
- It is clarified that booking of reserved train tickets never stopped except for the lock down period i.e 24th March to 14th April.
- Since, Advance reservation period for taking reserved ticket is 120 days, ticket bookings for 15th April and beyond were made open much prior to lock down period.
Source: Western Railway FB
Here’s the latest clarification regarding Indian Railways ticket reservation rules coming into effect after April 14, 2025:
Contents
🛑 No Changes in Tatkal Booking Timings on April 15, 2025
Despite viral social media claims, IRCTC clarified that there was no change to the Tatkal or Premium Tatkal booking timings on April 15, 2025. The established timings remain unchanged for both AC and non‑AC classes, and agent booking slots are still as before
Important Changes Effective May 1, 2025
- Waiting list (WL) ticket holders are no longer permitted to board Sleeper or AC coaches. They can travel only in general unreserved compartments; violations may result in fines
- The Advance Reservation Period (ARP) has been reduced to 60 days (formerly 120 days) to discourage ticket hoarding and improve availability near departure dates
- OTP (mobile) verification is mandatory for all bookings made through IRCTC website or app starting May 1, 2025
New Tatkal Ticket Rules from July 1, 2025
🎯 Phase‑1: Aadhaar Authentication Required
- From 1 July 2025, only Aadhaar‑authenticated users (via IRCTC account linked with Aadhaar and mobile number) can book Tatkal tickets online via the IRCTC website or app .
🎯 Phase‑2: OTP Verification Enforced
- Starting 15 July 2025, Aadhaar‑based OTP authentication becomes mandatory for all Tatkal bookings, including those made at PRS counters and through authorised agents
✋ Agent Restrictions During Peak Booking Window
- During the first 30 minutes of Tatkal opening:
- Agents are barred from booking AC class tickets between 10:00–10:30 AM
- For non‑AC classes between 11:00–11:30 AM
- Only Aadhaar‑verified individual users can book in that period to prioritize genuine passengers
Additional Key Updates (From July 1, 2025)
- Reservation charts will now be prepared 8 hours before scheduled departure—previously around 4 hours. Trains departing early (before 2 PM) will have charts published the previous night at 9 PM. This gives passengers more clarity and time to plan in case their tickets remain waitlisted
- Fare adjustments for passenger trains include:
- No fare increase for journeys up to 500 km in ordinary non‑AC class
- Slight incremental fare for longer distances (up to ~₹15 more for long-distance travel in ordinary second class or sleeper) – an increase of about 0.5–2 paise per km depending on class and distance
🧾 Summary Table
| Date Effective | Key Changes |
|---|---|
| 15 April 2025 | No change to Tatkal booking timings (IRCTC clarified claims to the contrary) |
| 1 May 2025 | No‐WL in AC/Sleeper, ARP reduced to 60 days, OTP mandatory for online bookings |
| 1 July 2025 | Aadhaar authentication mandatory to book Tatkal via IRCTC online |
| 15 July 2025 | OTP via Aadhaar required for all Tatkal bookings (incl. counters & agent bookings) |
| From 1 July 2025 | Reservation charts released 8 hours before departure; minor fare hike for longer travel |
💡 What This Means for You:
- Claims about Tatkal timing changes on 15 April 2025 are false—bookings continue at the same hours.
- If you hold a WL ticket post‑May 1, you cannot board AC or Sleeper coaches.
- For quick emergency booking (Tatkal) after July 1, be sure you’ve linked and verified Aadhaar in your IRCTC account, and for bookings after mid‑July, be ready to complete OTP verification—even if booking in person at a counter or through an agent.
- Check PNR at least 8 hours before departure, since charts are published earlier now.
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