Railways to open Mini-Reservation Counters in various Localities
Keeping public convenience in view, the Indian Railways is soon going to open railway reservation counters in various locations.
Based on the public-private partnership model, Indian Railways will open these reservation counters in various localities.
Under the new reservation model, you can book tickets from the railway reservation agents who have been authorised by the railways to issue rail tickets. Those agents who have been involved in this business for over five years will be allowed to sell tickets.
Railway department will help such agents with computers and reservation slips. The rail agents will be entitled to have a percentage of commission based on the price of per ticket.
As per the railways department, for sleeper class and second seating you will have to shell out Rs 30 while you can avail this facility by paying a minimal charge of Rs 40 for other class.
However, these facility centres will only be opened after an hour of the opening of railway station counters. During week days you can avail the facility between 9 am and 10 pm.
You can also book tatkal tickets through such reservation centres. Tatkal booking at such centres will, however, start at 11am instead of 10 am .
Indian Railways have issued strict guidelines for travel agents in order to avoid fraudulence and misuse of this facility. Agents will have to pay a hefty penalty if the reservation role is lost or misused.
Here’s a verified update on Indian Railways’ plan to introduce Mini‑Reservation Counters in localities, bringing ticketing closer to passengers through a public-private model:
🚉 Mini‑Reservation Counters: What’s New?
In a move to enhance convenience and accessibility, Indian Railways announced in January 2025 the rollout of mini reservation counters located within localities and neighborhoods—outside traditional station premises. These will operate under a public–private partnership model
Key Features:
- Authorized local agents (with over five years of experience) will run these centers on commission.
- Railway support includes provision of computers, printers, and reservation slips.
- Ticket Pricing for Customers:
- ₹ 30 for sleeper & second seating class bookings.
- ₹ 40 for higher classes (e.g. AC tiers).
- Operating Hours: Generally open from 9 AM to 10 PM on weekdays—starting one hour after station counters open to avoid overlap.
- Tatkal Availability: Tatkal bookings will begin at 11 AM at these centers (instead of station time of 10 AM).
- Strict oversight: Agents face penalties for fraudulent activity or misuse of the system
âś… Benefits at a Glance
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Local convenience | Tickets available in neighborhoods instead of stations. |
| Extended service hours | Opens until late evening (up to 10 PM). |
| Quick Tatkal access | Agents start Tatkal bookings an hour later than stations. |
| Agent reliability | Only long-standing, vetted agents are authorized. |
| Commission-based model | Passengers pay a small fee; agent gets commission. |
🌍 Community & Analyst Insights
This initiative is viewed as part of a broader digital transition in railway ticketing:
- Indian Railways is phasing out traditional general-ticket counters, replacing them with contractual mobile ticketing agents (M‑UTS assistants) and private agencies to streamline operations and reduce staffing burdens
- Reddit users highlight how digital and agent-based models are replacing old counters:
“Indian Railways is phasing out regular ticket counters, replacing them with private agencies and M‑UTS assistants”
🧠Summary & What to Expect
- Mini-reservation counters are an evolving solution to extend ticketing reach beyond stations, operated by trusted agents.
- They charge a small convenience fee, offer weekday and evening access, and support Tatkal bookings—providing flexibility for travelers.
- This fits into a larger trend of making tickets available through private agents, CSCs, ATVMs, and UTS assistants to reduce pressure on station infrastructure.
Would you like help to find if these mini-counters are currently active in Ranchi or Jharkhand, or guidance on how to locate them in your area?
