Train Travel Update: Indian Railways May Release Reservation Charts 24 Hours in Advance

New Delhi, 11th June 2025: In a bid to ease last-minute uncertainty for train passengers, the Indian Railways is testing a new system that releases final reservation charts 24 hours before a train’s departure, instead of the current practice of publishing them just four hours in advance.

The move is expected to particularly benefit waitlisted passengers, many of whom travel from distant towns and cities to board long-distance trains, often without knowing whether their tickets have been confirmed.

A senior railway official involved in the project said the trial phase began on June 6 in the Bikaner division of Rajasthan. “We’ve initiated a pilot project to assess the feasibility of early chart preparation. So far, it has been smooth. We hope this will give passengers better clarity, especially those traveling from far-off locations,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “This could help reduce unnecessary stress and allow travellers to plan more confidently.”

Currently, the Indian Railways issues reservation charts in two phases — the first list four hours before departure and the final one around 30 minutes before the train leaves. The revised system being tested would consolidate this into a single chart issued 24 hours in advance.

Officials believe that providing passengers with earlier confirmation of seat status will significantly improve journey planning, particularly for those commuting over 100 kilometers to reach boarding stations.

Railway sources emphasized that Tatkal bookings, which are made up to 48 hours before departure, will remain unaffected by the early chart release. “Since Tatkal tickets are already confirmed at the time of booking, releasing charts a day earlier will not interfere with that system,” said another senior official familiar with the process.

However, some elements are still under review. The possibility of implementing second or third updates to the chart closer to departure — to reflect cancellations or last-minute seat allotments — is being studied. “Once the pilot phase concludes, a final decision will be taken keeping in view what best serves the interests of passengers,” the official added.