Indian Railways' Modernization: New Reservation System Advances

The Ministry of Railways is set to enhance its services by preparing reservation charts for long-distance trains eight hours prior to departure, up from the current four hours. This initiative is aimed at offering better planning opportunities for passengers from distant locations.

The decision emerged from a recent review meeting led by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, according to a ministry statement. The new policy will be especially beneficial for travelers from remote and suburban areas, allowing them more flexibility in arranging their travel. Additionally, passengers will have more time to consider alternative travel options if waitlisted reservations are not confirmed.

The upgraded Passenger Reservation System (PRS) promises significant advancements, boasting the ability to book over 1.5 lakh tickets per minute—a fivefold increase from the previous rate. The system promises to be more user-friendly, accommodating multiple languages and offering integrated facilities for special categories of passengers. Notably, from July 2025, Tatkal ticket bookings will require OTP-based authentication, ensuring only verified users can make reservations.

(With inputs from agencies.)