The Indian Railways is set to introduce significant changes to its ticket reservation system, focusing on passenger convenience, transparency, and efficiency. These reforms aim to modernize the booking experience and leverage technology for a seamless journey.
Revolutionising Reservation: A Passenger-Centric Approach
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw underscores the importance of a smart, transparent, and efficient ticketing process to ensure a comfortable journey for passengers.
Charting of Waitlisted Tickets Now 8 Hours Before Departure
- Current System: The reservation chart is prepared four hours before departure, causing uncertainty for passengers.
- New Proposal:
- For trains departing after 2 PM, the chart will be ready 8 hours before departure.
- For trains leaving before 2 PM, the chart will be prepared at 9 PM on the previous day.
Benefits to Passengers
- Advance update on waitlisted tickets.
- Reduced stress and improved travel planning.
- More time for alternate arrangements if tickets are not confirmed.
- Convenience for passengers traveling from remote areas.
Modern Passenger Reservation System (PRS) by December 2025
The PRS modernization, led by CRIS, aims to enhance booking and enquiry capacities, introduce seat selection options, and cater to special categories.
Key Features of the New PRS
- Booking Capacity to increase to over 1.5 lakh tickets per minute.
- Enquiry Capacity to jump to over 40 lakh per minute.
- Multilingual interface for bookings and enquiries.
- Seat selection options and fare calendar for journey planning.
Tatkal Ticketing for Verified Users Only
- Authentication Process:
- Users need to verify their identity via OTP-based verification.
- Acceptable credentials include Aadhaar Card or other government IDs stored in DigiLocker.
- Mandatory verification before initiating Tatkal bookings.
Expected Benefits
- Enhanced transparency in Tatkal bookings.
- Reduced fraud and improved access for genuine users.
- Improved booking experience for last-minute travelers.
Multilingual Booking & Enquiry Support
The new system will support multiple Indian languages, making reservations accessible to passengers from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams
- Indian Railways is revamping its reservation system to prioritize passenger comfort and efficiency.
- Changes include charting waitlisted tickets 8 hours before departure and a modern PRS by 2025.
- Tatkal bookings will be limited to verified users, enhancing fairness and transparency.
- Multilingual support aims to make the system inclusive and user-friendly.
