Indian Railways Improves Travel with Early Chart Preparation
Indian Railways is making travel better for wait-listed passengers. Right now, passengers find out if their ticket is confirmed just four hours before departure. This can be stressful. But now, Indian Railways is trying a new system. Passengers will know their ticket status a full day before the train leaves.
Indian Railways Train Charts Ready 24 Hours Before Departure
Indian Railways has started a test project in the Bikaner Division. Here, train charts are ready 24 hours before departure. This is different from the current way of preparing charts four hours before departure.
Good News for Passengers
- Passengers can plan their travel better.
- Less worry for those with waiting tickets.
- More time to reach the station, especially for long-distance travelers.
Dilip Kumar, a top official at Railway Board, said, “Now, if passengers know a day before that their tickets are confirmed, they can plan their travel better.”
How Indian Railways Prepares Charts
Indian Railways prepares reservation charts in two steps:
- The first chart is ready four hours before the train leaves.
- The final chart is done about 30 minutes before departure.
This new system will not affect passengers who book Tatkal tickets for last-minute travel. A railway official said, “Since Tatkal tickets are booked two days before the train leaves, making the full chart a day before won’t be a problem.”
What’s Next?
Railway officials say this test will become official only after getting good feedback from travelers. They are also thinking about making second and third passenger lists for confirmed reservations, in case of last-minute cancellations.
A source told TOI, “Let the test run finish and then decisions will be made keeping passengers’ best interests in mind.”
