Indian Railways has changed the rules for booking train tickets in advance. Passengers can now book their tickets up to 60 days before the journey instead of the previous 120 days. This change started from November 1, 2024, to make seat allocation more efficient and reduce ticket wastage.
🗞️: Gorakhpur Train Update: Route changes and cancellations announced until July 31।
What are the new advance booking rules?
The advance reservation period (ARP) is now 60 days for most trains. This step was taken because about 21% of tickets booked 61 to 120 days in advance were being cancelled. Additionally, 5% of passengers did not cancel their tickets nor did they travel, leaving seats empty. Foreign tourists can still book tickets 365 days in advance, and certain daytime express trains like Taj Express and Gomti Express follow their own existing rules.
How to cancel tickets via SMS or Call?
Passengers who booked confirmed tickets at railway counters can now cancel them without visiting the station. You can call or send an SMS to 139 to start the process. The steps are as follows:
- Call 139 and select the cancellation option (usually option 6).
- Provide your PNR number and train number.
- Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number to confirm.
After this, the refund can be collected from any PRS counter by surrendering the original ticket.
New Aadhaar rules for online booking
Starting December 29, 2025, and expanding until January 12, 2026, only Aadhaar-authenticated IRCTC users can book general reserved tickets online on the first day of the booking window. This move aims to stop the misuse of bookings and help genuine passengers get tickets easily. Non-Aadhaar verified users will have to wait longer on the opening day to book their tickets online.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I still book tickets 120 days in advance?
No, the advance booking period is now 60 days for general passengers effective from November 1, 2024. Foreign tourists still have a 365-day window.
How do I get a refund after cancelling a ticket via 139?
After cancelling via call or SMS, you must visit any Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counter and surrender your original ticket to collect the refund.