Indian Railways Reduces Advance Reservation Period from 120 to 60 Days

In a significant policy shift, the Indian Railways has announced a reduction in the Advance Reservation Period (ARP) for long-distance train bookings from 120 days to 60 days, effective November 1, 2024. This decision aims to enhance passenger convenience by reducing the blocking of funds for ticket bookings made months in advance, especially during peak travel seasons like festivals.

Key Details of the New Policy

Effective Date: The new ARP will take effect on November 1, 2024. Bookings made before October 31 under the existing 120-day ARP will remain valid.

Cancellations: Passengers will still be able to cancel bookings made beyond the new 60-day ARP without any issues.

Exemptions and Context

Certain daytime express trains, such as the Taj Express and Gomti Express, will continue to follow their respective advance reservation limits. Notably, the 365-day advance booking option for foreign tourists will remain unchanged.

Reasons Behind the Change

The Ministry of Railways cited several reasons for this adjustment, including:

Reduction in Administrative Load: A significant cancellation rate (around 21%) and no-show rates (4-5%) have prompted this revision, as many passengers fail to cancel tickets or show up, leading to fraud and wastage of resources.

Encouraging Genuine Bookings: By shortening the ARP, the Railways aims to reduce fraudulent activities and encourage more genuine bookings from passengers, as data shows that 85% of train tickets are booked less than two months in advance.