5 New IRCTC Train Reservation Rules You Can’t Miss

Starting from November 1, 2024, the advance reservation period for booking train tickets will be reduced from 120 days to 60 days, excluding the date of journey. This applies to most trains, so passengers will need to plan their bookings accordingly.

Any reservations made before October 31, 2024, under the previous 120-day ARP will remain valid and unchanged. This ensures that passengers who have already booked tickets under the old system will not be affected.

Even though the ARP is being reduced, cancellations for bookings made beyond the new 60-day ARP will still be allowed. Passengers who booked tickets for dates far in advance will retain the flexibility to cancel.

Certain daytime express trains, such as the Taj Express and Gomti Express, which already have shorter ARPs, will not be impacted by this change. The existing reservation periods for these trains will remain in place.

The rule change does not affect the 365-day ARP for foreign tourists. They will still be able to book train tickets up to one year in advance, providing ample planning time for their travels.

The reduction in the ARP to 60 days is likely to streamline the booking process, making it easier for passengers to manage travel plans within a more practical timeframe.

With the ARP shortened, last-minute travelers may find it more convenient to secure tickets closer to their travel date, reducing the need to plan several months in advance.

The new rules provide flexibility for both cancellations and bookings, especially for those who may need to adjust their travel plans within the 60-day period.

Frequent travelers using daytime express trains or those traveling as foreign tourists will benefit from the unchanged reservation rules in their specific cases, avoiding confusion.

It’s important to note that the new reservation rules will take effect starting from November 1, 2024, giving passengers time to adjust their travel planning strategies.