Southern Railway has expanded a special booking facility across 17 Vande Bharat trains. Passengers can now book available seats up to 15 minutes before the train departs. This system was first tested as a pilot project in eight trains starting July 2025 and is now active for all Vande Bharat services in the South zone from June 2026.
How does the new booking system work?
The current booking facility allows travelers to secure seats at the very last moment. Passengers can use the IRCTC website, the official mobile app, or visit railway station ticket counters to book these seats. There is no extra charge for this last-minute booking, and refund rules remain as per standard Indian Railways policy.
What was the impact on revenue and passengers?
The new system led to a significant increase in both passenger numbers and earnings. The data shows a sharp rise in last-minute bookings and monthly revenue as detailed below:
| Metric | Previous Period (Apr-Jun 2025) | New Period (Aug-Oct 2025) | Growth % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Passengers | 16,729 | 30,267 | 80.93% |
| Monthly Revenue | 124.80 Lakh | 222.17 Lakh | 78.02% |
Which regions are covered by this facility?
This facility is available on Vande Bharat trains operating within the Southern Railway zone. These trains connect major cities across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Railway officials stated that this move helps people who need to travel suddenly and ensures that seats do not go empty.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I book a seat 15 minutes before departure?
You can book available seats through the IRCTC website, the official app, or directly at the railway station ticket counters.
Is there any extra fee for last-minute booking?
No, there is no additional charge for booking seats under this current booking facility.