Indian Railways is planning to change the working hours of Passenger Reservation System (PRS) centers that have low ticket sales. According to recent reports from July 1, 2026, the Bilaspur Rail Division is preparing to keep these centers open only from 8 AM to 2 PM daily. This decision comes as a result of a shift in how passengers book their journeys.
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Why are reservation center timings changing?
The Railway Board found that about 89% of tickets are now booked online through the IRCTC website and mobile apps. Because most people prefer digital booking, the footfall at physical counters has dropped significantly, especially in the afternoons. The railways will use this move to manage manpower better by moving staff to busier counters or departments.
Which stations will remain unaffected?
Not all counters will see a change in timing. Major stations will continue to operate their reservation centers during regular full hours due to high demand. The exceptions include:
- Bilaspur
- Usalapur
- Champa
- Raigarh
When will this rule be implemented?
The Railway Board is currently conducting an internal survey to finalize the list of centers. Official orders for the implementation will be issued once the final report is received and reviewed by the authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which reservation centers will close early?
Only those PRS centers with low ticket sales will operate from 8 AM to 2 PM. Major stations like Bilaspur, Usalapur, Champa, and Raigarh will keep their full timings.
What is the reason behind this timing change?
Around 89% of railway tickets are now booked online via IRCTC, leading to very few passengers visiting physical counters in the afternoon.