Indian Railways has made a significant change to its train ticket booking rules. Starting from November 1, 2024, passengers will be able to book train tickets only 60 days in advance, instead of the earlier 120 days.
Key Changes:
- Booking 60 Days in Advance: From November 1, passengers can book tickets only 60 days before their journey. No changes will be made to bookings until October 31, 2024.
- Exemption for Special Trains: This rule will not apply to special trains such as the Taj Express and Gomti Express. Additionally, the 365-day advance booking rule for foreign tourists will remain unchanged, meaning there will be no impact on their reservations.
Crackdown on Ticket Black Marketing:
Indian Railways has stated that this decision is aimed at curbing ticket black marketing. Only 13% of passengers currently book tickets 120 days in advance, while most travelers reserve their tickets within 45 days of travel. This change is expected to reduce issues related to ticket cancellations and refunds as well.
Reason for the Change:
Ahead of the Diwali festival, Indian Railways implemented this change to make the ticket booking process smoother and more transparent, while also preventing black marketing. The new rule is expected to benefit passengers and ensure greater efficiency in the booking system.
Note: The new rule will take effect on November 1, 2024, and the travel date is not included in the 60-day period.
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