Railways restores pre-Covid reservation chart system

From today, the Indian Railways is reverting to its pre-COVID system of preparing the second reservation charts between 30 minutes to 5 minutes before the scheduled time of departure of trains.

New Delhi: In a huge relief to train passengers, the Indian Railways on Saturday reverted to its earlier system of preparation of second reservation charts 30 minutes before the scheduled departure of trains from stations.

Due to COVID-19 induced nationwide lockdown, the Railway Board had issued an order on May 11, modifying the rules of ticket reservation and changing the time of preparation of second reservation chart to two hours before the departure of trains.

In a statement released by Ministry of Railways, it has been stated that as per the established pre-COVID period instructions, the first reservation chart used to be prepared at least four hours before the scheduled departure of the train. Thereafter, the available seats could be booked across PRS (Passenger Reservation System) counters as well as through internet on a first-come-first-serve basis till preparation of second reservation charts.

The second reservation charts were prepared 30 to five minutes before the train departure. Cancellation of already booked tickets was also permitted during this period as per provisions of Refund Rules.

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"As per the request of Zonal Railways for ensuring convenience of rail passengers, the matter has been examined and it has been decided that the second reservation chart shall be prepared at least 30 minutes before the scheduled/rescheduled time of departure of train," said the statement issued by Ministry of Railways.

The ticket booking facility, both online as well as on PRS ticket counters, shall be available before the preparation of the second chart.

The timings were changed during COVID-19 pandemic as tickets were only available online to avoid crowding at the Railway stations.

The Railways had suspended all of its passenger train services due to the nation-wide lockdown on March 25. However, the services have now been resumed in a staggered manner. Further, the Railways is also planning to start some additional trains for the upcoming festive season.

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