Indian Railways to Prepare Reservation Charts 8 Hours Before Departure, Easing Waitlist Woes
New Delhi, June 30, 2025: Big change coming for train passengers: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has told the Railway Board to start prepping reservation charts eight hours before trains leave, ditching the old four-hour system. This new rule kicks in from July 1, 2025, and will roll out in phases. It’s supposed to make life easier, especially for folks with waitlisted tickets who have to travel from out-of-the-way places just to board a long-distance train.
This move is part of a bigger push to make Indian Railways’ ticketing more transparent, efficient, and, well, less of a headache. Vaishnaw made the call after a bunch of discussions with railway officials, stressing how tough it’s been for waitlisted passengers. Right now, people don’t know if they actually have a seat until only four hours before departure—which is pretty stressful, especially if you live far away. That uncertainty leads to a lot of last-minute chaos—canceled plans, scrambling for alternatives, you name it. With the new system, the hope is to give passengers more time and a little peace of mind.
A Step Toward Passenger-Centric Travel
Railway officials say this update should go a long way toward easing the anxiety that comes with waitlisted tickets, especially during busy travel seasons. The whole thing is rolling out in phases, and the technical upgrades to the Passenger Reservation System should wrap up by July 2025.
Railway Minister Vaishnaw, in a review meeting on June 29, 2025, called this part of his push for a “smart, transparent, and accessible” ticketing system. The move has already picked up praise on social media—users on X are calling it a “game-changer” for people who depend on waitlisted tickets. All in all, it’s expected to benefit millions of passengers, particularly when trains are packed and the waitlist is the norm.
Upgraded Ticketing System and Stricter Authentication
From July 1, 2025, stricter authentication measures will come into effect for Tatkal bookings. Only users who complete the verification process will be able to book Tatkal tickets on the IRCTC site and app. By month’s end, OTP authentication linked to Aadhaar or other government IDs via DigiLocker will be required. The move is designed to curb black-market ticket sales and ensure more transparency in the booking process.
Railway authorities are also focusing on inclusivity. Plans are underway to add multilingual support and better facilities for differently-abled passengers, students, and patients. These updates, officials say, reflect a commitment to making rail travel more accessible and user-friendly.
The phased rollout begins July 1, 2025. With these reforms, Indian Railways aims to set new standards in convenience and operational efficiency, signaling a fresh chapter in passenger experience.