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The Indian Railways is undergoing a significant transformation to enhance the passenger experience, focusing on reducing uncertainty for waitlisted passengers and streamlining the ticket booking process. A key proposal involves modifying the timing of reservation chart preparation. Currently, reservation charts are prepared four hours before the departure of a train. The Railway Board has proposed extending this window, preparing the chart eight hours prior to departure. This change aims to provide passengers with a longer lead time to understand their waitlist status and make alternative arrangements if necessary. However, recognizing the logistical constraints for early morning departures, the rule is adjusted for trains departing before 2:00 PM (1400 hours). For these trains, the reservation chart will be prepared the previous day at 9:00 PM (2100 hours). This nuanced approach acknowledges the specific needs of passengers traveling on different schedules and seeks to optimize the benefits of the extended chart preparation window without creating undue inconvenience. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has endorsed this proposal and has directed the Railway Board to implement it in phases to minimize disruption. The phased implementation underscores a careful approach to change management, ensuring that the new system is rolled out smoothly and efficiently. The Minister's focus on minimizing disruption highlights the Railways' commitment to maintaining service quality during the transition period. The move is expected to be particularly beneficial for passengers traveling from remote locations or suburbs of major cities who need ample time to reach the station and potentially adjust their travel plans based on the waitlist status. This proactive approach to passenger information empowers travelers to make informed decisions and reduces the anxiety associated with waitlisted tickets. The extended preparation time also allows for better management of resources and potentially improved allocation of berths, contributing to a more efficient and passenger-friendly railway system.
Beyond the immediate change to reservation chart preparation, the Railway Minister is also overseeing a broader reform of the Passenger Reservation System (PRS). The goal is to create a more passenger-centric end-to-end travel experience, making the ticketing system smarter, transparent, accessible, and efficient. This comprehensive vision encompasses not only the booking process but also the overall journey, from initial reservation to final destination. A modern PRS is slated to be ready by December 2025, representing a significant investment in technology and infrastructure. The Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) is responsible for executing the upgrading process. The upgraded PRS is designed to be agile, flexible, and scalable, capable of handling ten times the current load. This scalability is crucial to accommodate future growth in passenger traffic and ensure that the system can meet the evolving demands of the Indian Railways. A key performance indicator for the new PRS is its ticket booking capacity. The system is expected to handle over 1.5 lakh ticket bookings per minute, a five-fold increase from the current capacity of 32,000 tickets per minute. This substantial increase in capacity will alleviate congestion during peak booking periods and improve the overall user experience. Similarly, the ticket enquiry capacity will increase dramatically from 4 lakh to over 40 lakh per minute. This will allow passengers to quickly and easily access information about train schedules, seat availability, and other relevant details. The new PRS will also feature a multilingual and user-friendly booking and enquiry interface, making it accessible to a wider range of passengers. Users will be able to specify their preferred seat type and view a fare calendar, providing greater transparency and control over their booking options. Integrated facilities for Divyangjan (persons with disabilities), students, and patients will further enhance the accessibility and inclusivity of the system.
In addition to upgrading the core PRS infrastructure, the Indian Railways is also focusing on enhancing security and preventing fraudulent activities. A key initiative is the streamlining of authentication for Tatkal bookings, a system designed for last-minute travel needs. Beginning July 1, only authenticated users will be able to book Tatkal tickets on the IRCTC website and mobile app. This measure aims to curb the activities of unauthorized agents and ensure fair access to Tatkal tickets for genuine travelers. Further enhancing security, OTP-based authentication will be implemented for Tatkal bookings from the end of July 2025. This will add an extra layer of verification and deter fraudulent transactions. Railway Minister Vaishnaw has instructed officials to broaden the authentication mechanism for Tatkal bookings, suggesting the use of Aadhaar or other verifiable Government IDs available in the user's DigiLocker account. This broader approach to authentication will provide a more robust and reliable system for verifying the identity of users. The integration with DigiLocker demonstrates a commitment to leveraging existing digital infrastructure to improve the security and efficiency of the railway system. By streamlining authentication and preventing fraudulent activities, the Indian Railways aims to create a more secure and trustworthy environment for passengers. These comprehensive reforms, encompassing reservation chart preparation, PRS upgrades, and enhanced security measures, demonstrate the Indian Railways' commitment to providing a world-class passenger experience. The focus on passenger-centricity, efficiency, and security underscores the Railways' dedication to meeting the evolving needs of its vast and diverse user base. The success of these initiatives will depend on effective implementation, continuous monitoring, and ongoing adaptation to changing circumstances. The Indian Railways' ambitious vision for the future promises a more convenient, secure, and enjoyable travel experience for millions of passengers across the country.
Source: Reservation chart set to be prepared eight hours prior to departure of train