1 hr ago
Indian Railways Allows Confirmed Tickets After Chart Preparation
A train ticket may still be available after the first reservation chart is prepared.
This happens through a facility called Current Booking.
It lets passengers book seats or berths that are still empty.
Only confirmed tickets are given through this facility.
Passengers cannot get RAC or wait-listed tickets through Current Booking.
Seats may open up because other passengers cancel or because railway staff make reservation adjustments.
The facility works only while the booking window is open.
Passengers should check live availability because a train that was previously wait-listed may later show a confirmed seat.
Passengers may book vacant seats or berths after the first reservation chart through Indian Railways’ Current Booking facility.
Current Booking issues only confirmed e-tickets, not RAC or wait-listed tickets.
Seats can become available because of cancellations or other reservation adjustments during charting.
Current Booking is available only within the applicable booking window and does not create additional accommodation.
The first chart is now generally prepared 9 to 18 hours before departure, while the second chart is prepared about 30 minutes before departure.
- Who
- Passengers seeking last-minute train reservations and Indian Railways.
- What
- Vacant train seats or berths can be booked after the first reservation chart through Current Booking.
- Where
- On Indian Railways trains through the railway reservation system.
- When
- After the first chart is prepared and until the applicable booking window closes; the second chart is prepared about 30 minutes before departure.
- Why
- To let passengers use accommodation that remains vacant and help Indian Railways avoid running with empty seats or berths.
Key facts
- Booking facility
- Current Booking, defined by IRCTC as booking against vacant accommodation after charting.
- Ticket type
- Only confirmed e-tickets are issued; RAC and wait-listed tickets are not available.
- Eligible users
- Normal users and agents can book; only senior citizen and disabled concessions are allowed.
- First chart timing
- For departures from 05:01 to 14:00, the first chart is preferably prepared by 20:00 the previous day; for departures from 14:01 to 05:00, it is preferably prepared at least 10 hours in advance.
- Second chart timing
- The second reservation chart is prepared around 30 minutes before scheduled departure.
- Booking restrictions
- Boarding-point, name, age and gender changes are not allowed for a Current Booking PNR.
- Availability
- Current Booking depends on the train, journey date, journey segment and remaining vacant accommodation.
Quotes
A senior railway official
Railway official who explained the operation and purpose of Current Booking.
“Railway rules have historically provided for reservation activity between the first and final charts, with the final reservation exercise taking place close to departure. Passengers should therefore check live availability rather than assuming that chart preparation automatically closes booking.”
indianexpress.com
“This serves two purposes: a last-minute passenger gets an opportunity to travel, while the Railways avoids running with accommodation that could otherwise remain vacant. A train showing ‘not available’ earlier may therefore become bookable later.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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