Indian Railways today decided to restore the previous second booking chart preparation system as of October 10. The system was stopped in the wake of the new coronavirus pandemic in recent months.
In accordance with the established pre-COVID period instructions, the first reservation chart was prepared at least 4 hours before the scheduled train departure. Thereafter, available accommodation could be booked through the PRS counters, as well as online, on a first-come, first-served basis until the second booking charts are prepared.
The charts for the second booking were prepared between 30 minutes and 5 minutes before the scheduled / rescheduled departure time of the trains. Cancellation of tickets already booked during this period was also allowed in accordance with the provisions of the Refund Rules.
However, due to the pandemic, instructions were issued to change the preparation time of the second reservation box to 2 hours before the scheduled or rescheduled departure time of the trains.
As per the request from Zonal Railways to ensure the convenience of rail passengers, the matter has been examined and it has been decided that the second reservation chart will be prepared at least 30 minutes before the scheduled / rescheduled train departure time.
Consequently, the ticket reservation function, both online and at PRS ticket counters, will be available, prior to the preparation of the second graphic.
Passengers can book tickets from the IRCTC website and app and also from PRS counters for trains.
The Railways had suspended all passenger train services due to the imposition of a nationwide shutdown effective March 25. However, it resumed services in a staggered fashion, with Shramik Special trains to help stranded migrant workers reach their home states starting May 1.
Subsequently, it launched 230 special trains across the country, followed by another 80 special trains as of September 12, the additional trains were announced taking into account the COVID-19 situation, and also to allow the reverse migration of workers. to urban areas to work, with the country entering Unlocking 4.0
The national carrier also recently started operating clone trains on its network. Initially, a total of 40 (20 pairs) of trains will operate on the Indian railway network, which has seen high demand for passenger traffic.
The main feature of the clone trains will be that these trains will have fewer stops and will also run faster than the original train.
Clone trains are a boon for rail passengers and the problem of not getting tickets on busy routes can be reduced with the introduction of clone trains.
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