Dec 21 Train Bookings: Mark Your Calendar for Oct 22!
If you are planning to travel by rail on December 21, 2026, you need to prepare for the upcoming reservation window. Indian Railways has officially announced the booking commencement date for this specific travel period.
Booking Schedule and ARP Rules
Ticket reservations for journeys scheduled for December 21 will officially open on October 22, 2026, at 8:00 AM IST. This timeline is dictated by the current 60-day Advance Reservation Period (ARP) policy, which excludes the actual date of departure from the originating station.
How to Secure Your Tickets
Passengers can choose between two primary methods to book their seats:
- Online: Through the official IRCTC portal.
- Offline: At any railway station Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counter.
To ensure a smooth process and manage the high volume of traffic on the opening day of the 60-day advance window, there is a mandatory requirement for digital bookings. Users attempting to book online on the opening day must utilize Aadhaar-authenticated IRCTC user IDs.
New Travel Insurance for Offline Passengers
In a move to enhance passenger security and welfare, Indian Railways is expanding its service offerings. Effective October 27, 2026, travel insurance coverage will be extended to passengers who book their tickets offline at station counters, providing similar protection to both online and offline travelers.