Indian Railways New Train Ticket Booking Rules: Amid the festive season, the Indian Railways has changed its advance train ticket booking rules by reducing allowed days from 120 to 60 days. As per new rules, passengers will now be able to book Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) train tickets only 60 days in advance of the train’s scheduled departure, as against the current advance booking period of 120 days.
The move will come into effect from November 1, the Railway Ministry said in a notification issued on Thursday, October 17.
The Railways clarified that ticket bookings made under the current 120-day ARP (Advance Reservation Period) before October 31 will remain valid. "With effect from 01.11.2024, the ARP will be 60 days (excluding the day of the journey) and bookings will be done accordingly. However, all the bookings done upto 31.10.2024 under the ARP of 120 days will remain intact," the notification read.
It also stated that any cancellations for bookings made beyond the new 60-day ARP will still be allowed. As per the notification, there will be no change in the case of certain daytime express trains like Taj Express, and Gomti Express, among others, "where lower time limits for advance reservations are, at present, in force."
Additionally, the Railways said that the 365-day advance booking option for foreign tourists will remain unchanged. "There will also be no change in the case of a limit of 365 days for Foreign Tourists," the notification added.
It is to be noted that the new rules for advance train ticket booking will not impact the already booked tickets.