Indian Railways has officially launched two major passenger-centric initiatives starting August 1, 2026, aimed at simplifying travel procedures and reducing congestion at station counters. The updates include a structured token-based system for counter Tatkal bookings and a digital platform for managing excess luggage, ensuring a smoother experience for commuters across the nation.
Key updates for passengers:
• A new token system for offline Tatkal bookings to manage crowds at reservation counters.
• Dedicated time slots for AC and non-AC Tatkal ticket requests.
• Online booking and payment portal for excess luggage to eliminate parcel office visits.
• Real-time luggage tracking and SMS updates for pre-booked cargo.
New Token System for Tatkal Bookings
To curb the daily rush at Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters, the West Central Railway (WCR) has introduced a systematic token mechanism. Under this new protocol, passengers seeking AC class Tatkal tickets will receive tokens between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM, with a limit of 10 tokens per counter. For those requiring non-AC (Sleeper) class tickets, tokens will be issued from 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM, with a limit of 15 tokens per counter. According to Saurabh Jain, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of the Kota Division, this system is designed to bring order to ticket counters, though officials may adjust token numbers based on local demand. Please note that these tokens are non-transferable and require a valid photo ID for verification, prioritizing bookings for the passenger or their immediate family.
Digital Facility for Excess Luggage
Effective August 1, 2026, passengers can now manage excess luggage online via the official website http://www.parcel.indianrail.gov.in. This facility is available for travelers in AC First Class, AC 2-Tier, First Class, Sleeper Class, and Second Class. Passengers in AC 3-Tier and AC Chair Car are excluded as their luggage allowance is already capped at the maximum limit. The system streamlines the process by allowing users to pay for additional weight, which is calculated in 10 kg increments for a minimum distance of 50 km. The charges for excess baggage are set at 1.5 times the standard rate, with a minimum charge of ₹30. This digital shift not only removes the need for manual paperwork at parcel offices but also provides commuters with the convenience of real-time tracking and automated SMS updates for their belongings.