Indian Railways has announced a significant change to its booking policy by reducing the Advance Reservation Period (ARP) for train tickets from 120 days to 60 days, excluding the day of travel. This change will take effect starting November 1, 2024, as stated in an official press release on Wednesday.
What Does This Mean for Travelers?
Under the new policy, travelers will only be able to book train tickets up to 60 days in advance, as opposed to the current 120-day period. However, bookings made before October 31, 2024, under the existing 120-day ARP will remain valid. Travelers who have already booked their tickets will not be impacted by this change, and cancellations for bookings made beyond the new 60-day period will still be allowed.
This adjustment aims to streamline the ticketing process and make travel plans more flexible for passengers who may not want to commit too far in advance.
Exceptions to the New Rule
The Indian Railways clarified that the reduced ARP will not apply to all trains. Certain daytime express trains like the Taj Express and Gomti Express, which already have different advance booking limits, will be excluded from this new policy. Additionally, the special booking option available to foreign tourists, which allows reservations up to 365 days in advance, will remain unaffected by this change.
#IndianRailways has shortened the Advance Reservation Period (ARP) from 120 to 60 days, effective from November 1.
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) October 17, 2024
However, all the bookings done up to 31st October this year will remain intact. @RailMinIndia said, there will be no change in the case of limit of 365 days for… pic.twitter.com/sAZcGxTlap
This ensures that foreign visitors planning long-term trips or those booking for peak travel seasons can still secure their tickets well in advance.
Cancellations and Validity
The Railways confirmed that passengers who have already booked their tickets for travel dates beyond the new 60-day ARP limit need not worry. Their reservations will remain intact, and they will still be eligible for cancellations and refunds as per the existing rules.
Conclusion
Indian Railways’ decision to reduce the ARP to 60 days from November 1, 2024, aims to offer more convenience and flexibility to passengers. With these changes, the booking process will become more efficient while ensuring that existing reservations and certain exceptions, like daytime express trains and foreign tourists’ bookings, are taken into consideration.
