Passengers booking Tatkal tickets at reservation counters under West Central Railway (WCR) will experience a revised token distribution system from August 1. The new process is aimed at reducing long queues, minimising crowding at booking counters and making the reservation process more convenient by aligning token distribution with Tatkal booking timings.
The revised system is expected to eliminate the need for passengers to visit reservation centres multiple times before booking their tickets.
New Token Timings For AC And Non-AC Tickets
Under the new system, tokens for AC Tatkal bookings will be distributed between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM, while Non-AC (Sleeper) Tatkal tokens will be issued between 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM.
Previously, AC tokens were distributed between 9:00 AM and 9:25 AM, while Sleeper class tokens were issued between 9:30 AM and 9:55 AM. The revised schedule is intended to streamline the booking process and reduce waiting time at reservation counters.
Limited Tokens At Each Counter
Each reservation counter will initially issue 10 tokens for AC bookings and 15 tokens for Non-AC bookings. However, railway authorities may increase or reduce the number of tokens depending on passenger demand and local requirements.
Once all token holders complete their bookings, any remaining Tatkal seats will be allotted to other passengers on a first-come, first-served basis.
Priority Categories Introduced
West Central Railway has also introduced two priority categories for token distribution.
Category A includes passengers booking tickets for themselves or their immediate family members. These passengers will receive priority during token allocation.
Category B covers all other passengers, who will be served only after all Category A applicants have been accommodated.
Identity Documents Mandatory
Passengers booking under Category A must carry a valid photo identity card along with documents establishing their relationship with the family member for whom the ticket is being booked.
Those applying under Category B must carry Aadhaar or any other valid photo identity accepted by Indian Railways.
Authorities have also clarified that Tatkal tokens will be strictly non-transferable, and tickets will be issued only to the individual whose name appears on the token.
Tatkal Booking Timings Remain Unchanged
While the token distribution process has been revised, the actual Tatkal booking timings remain the same. Tatkal bookings continue to open at 10:00 AM for AC classes and 11:00 AM for Non-AC classes, one day before the date of travel.
Railway officials have advised passengers to reach reservation centres on time with the required identity documents to ensure a smooth booking experience.
Summary
West Central Railway will implement a new Tatkal token system from August 1 to reduce crowding and simplify ticket booking at reservation counters. The revised process introduces earlier token distribution, separate priority categories, mandatory identity verification and non-transferable tokens while retaining the existing Tatkal booking timings for AC and Non-AC classes.
