Indian Railways to Release Reservation Charts 24 Hours in Advance for Better Passenger Convenience
New Delhi, 11th June 2025 – In a significant move aimed at reducing last-minute travel uncertainties, the Indian Railways is testing a new system that will release final reservation charts 24 hours before train departures, a major shift from the current practice of issuing them just four hours in advance.
This change is expected to greatly benefit waitlisted passengers, many of whom travel long distances to board trains without knowing if their tickets have been confirmed. A senior railway official involved in the project revealed that the pilot phase began on June 6 in the Bikaner division of Rajasthan.
Why This Change Matters
Currently, Indian Railways releases reservation charts in two phases:
- First list: Four hours before departure
- Final list: Around 30 minutes before the train leaves
The new system being tested will consolidate these into a single chart issued 24 hours in advance, giving passengers more time to plan their journeys, especially those traveling from distant locations.
Key Benefits for Passengers
- Reduced stress for waitlisted travelers
- Better journey planning, especially for those commuting over 100 km to boarding stations
- No impact on Tatkal bookings, which will remain unchanged
A senior official, speaking anonymously, stated, “The pilot project has been smooth so far. Early chart preparation will provide clarity and help passengers make informed decisions.”
Possible Future Adjustments
While the new system is under trial, railway authorities are considering whether to allow last-minute updates to the chart to account for cancellations or seat adjustments. “Once the pilot concludes, we’ll finalize the decision based on passenger benefits,” the official added.
This initiative marks another step by Indian Railways toward enhancing passenger convenience and streamlining travel procedures.
