New Railway Rule: Advance Booking Period Reduced to 60 Days

In a recent move, the Railway Board announced a reduction in the advance booking period from 120 days to 60 days, citing benefits for passengers and reducing fraud.

Advance Booking Period: Key Changes in Railway Booking Period

The Railway Board has officially shortened the advance booking period for train tickets from 120 days to 60 days, starting from November 1. This shift aims to prevent frequent ticket cancellations and tackle fraudulent activities. Let’s break down the reasons and benefits behind this decision:

Why Reduce the Advance Booking Window?

• High Cancellation Rates: The previous 120-day booking window saw a 21% cancellation rate. Many passengers reserved tickets only to cancel later.
• Seat Wastage: It was found that only 4-5% of booked passengers actually traveled, while unused seats went to waste.

Fraud Prevention

• Bribery & Fraudulent Bookings: There were instances where railway staff and agents took bribes to block seats in advance. Reducing the booking period helps limit this behavior.

Benefits for Passengers

• More Availability for Genuine Travelers: A shorter booking window ensures that genuine passengers get better access to available seats.
• Flexibility in Train Schedules: With increased demand, the Railway Department can arrange special trains based on ticket requirements, avoiding unnecessary congestion.

Better Travel Management

By reducing the booking period to 60 days, the Railway Board aims to enhance the efficiency of seat allocation, ensure fairness, and make the process more transparent for all travelers. This decision, as they stress, has been made after thorough analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the new advance booking period for train tickets?
   The new advance booking period is 60 days, reduced from 120 days.
2. When does the 60-day advance booking start?
   This change will be effective starting November 1.
3. Why has the Railway Board reduced the booking window?
   It was reduced to lower the high cancellation rate, prevent seat wastage, and avoid fraudulent bookings.
4. How will this change benefit passengers?
   Passengers will have a better chance to secure seats, and special trains can be arranged based on actual demand.
5. What percentage of booked passengers actually travel?
   Only 4-5% of the passengers who book tickets in the 120-day window actually travel, causing seat wastage.
6. How does the shorter booking window prevent fraud?
   It reduces the chance for individuals to block seats far in advance, thus preventing bribery and fraudulent activities.
7. Will there be special trains to meet high demand?
   Yes, if demand increases, the Railway Department can arrange special trains.
8. Can I still cancel my tickets after booking?
   Yes, passengers can still cancel their tickets, but the shorter booking period aims to reduce cancellations.
9. Will the 60-day rule apply to all types of trains?
   Yes, this rule will apply across the board to all passenger trains.
10. What should I do if I need tickets for urgent travel?
    The 60-day window ensures more seats are available closer to travel dates, offering greater flexibility for urgent bookings.

Also Read: New Rules on Railway Advance Ticket Booking: Major Change Announced!

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