Travel Alert: Train Reservation Charts Now Prepared 8 Hours Ahead for Late-Night, Evening Trains

New Delhi, 02nd July 2025: Indian Railways has revised the timing for preparation of the first reservation charts for passenger trains. As per a new commercial circular dated July 2, 2025, the updated rules aim to streamline the reservation process and enhance operational efficiency.

Revised Chart Preparation Timings:

1. For trains departing between 05:00 hrs and 14:00 hrs: The first reservation chart will now be prepared preferably by 21:00 hrs on the previous day.

2. For trains departing between 14:00 hrs and 23:59 hrs, and between 00:00 hrs and 05:00 hrs: The first reservation chart will be prepared preferably 8 hours prior to the scheduled departure.

These changes also apply to remote charting locations.

Previous Guidelines:

Earlier, the first reservation charts for trains departing up to 09:00 hrs were to be prepared preferably by 21:00 hrs of the previous night, or as decided by the concerned zonal railway. The second chart was prepared as per existing norms to allow for last-minute bookings.

There is no change in the existing provisions regarding the preparation of the second reservation chart. The new instructions are to be implemented across all zonal railways.