Indian Railways has introduced a current booking facility for Vande Bharat Express and other reserved trains. Passengers can now book available seats up to 15 minutes before the train departs, even after the reservation chart is prepared. This move aims to reduce vacant seats and help passengers with last-minute travel plans.
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How does the 15-minute booking rule work?
The facility allows passengers to book empty seats through the IRCTC website, IRCTC Rail Connect mobile app, and authorized Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters. This rule applies to seats that remain vacant after the final chart is made. Booking is available from the originating station as well as intermediate stations along the route.
What was the impact on Southern Railway revenue?
Southern Railway implemented this rule on a trial basis from August to October 2025 before expanding it to all 17 Vande Bharat trains in its zone. The initiative led to a significant increase in passenger numbers and earnings during the 2026 financial year.
| Detail | FY 2025 | FY 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Passengers | 54.12 Lakh | 77.38 Lakh |
| Total Revenue | ₹540.65 Crore | ₹803.86 Crore |
For the first two months of FY 2027 (April-May 2026), the Southern Railway Vande Bharat services carried 15.21 lakh passengers and earned ₹162.96 crore.
Which trains saw the highest occupancy?
Southern Railway’s Chief Public Relations Officer, S.N. Narayan, stated that several services recorded over 100% occupancy. These include the Mangaluru-Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai Egmore-Nagercoil, and Kasaragod-Thiruvananthapuram Vande Bharat trains.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where can I book Vande Bharat tickets 15 minutes before departure?
You can book these tickets through the IRCTC website, the IRCTC Rail Connect mobile app, or at authorized PRS counters.
Is this facility available for all stations?
Yes, the current booking facility is available for the originating station and all intermediate stations where seats are vacant.