Indian Railways has announced a revision in ticket cancellation charges, introducing stricter refund policies to discourage last-minute cancellations and misuse of bookings. The updated system applies higher penalties for cancellations closer to departure, with passengers receiving reduced refunds if tickets are cancelled within 8-24 hours, and no refund for cancellations within 8 hours of the train's departure.



What This Means for Passengers:

* Reduced refunds for late cancellations

* No refund for cancellations within 8 hours of departure

* Encourages early planning and genuine bookings

* Aims to improve seat availability and reduce ticket hoarding

These changes are part of Indian Railways' effort to enhance efficiency and ensure fair access to tickets for all travellers."

We’re excited to announce a major enhancement to your travel experience.

Our latest update (12.72) introduces Connecting Trains, a powerful feature that identifies optimal two-train combinations when no direct trains are available.

Highlights:

* Intelligent route linking

* Layover-safe connections

* Time & convenience–based sorting

* Clean interface for quick decision-making

Experience the future of rail planning — now available on minits.

From October 1, 2025, passengers booking general reserved tickets online through the IRCTC website or mobile app will be required to authenticate themselves using Aadhaar during the first 15 minutes of the booking window.

This measure has been introduced to ensure fair access for genuine passengers and to prevent misuse of the system by individuals or groups exploiting online reservations.

What remains unchanged:

* Computerized PRS Counters: Booking timings for general reserved tickets through Indian Railways' Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters will remain unchanged.

* Authorized Agents' Booking Restriction:
The 10-minute restriction at the start of the booking window, during which authorized ticketing agents cannot book opening day tickets, will continue as before.

This initiative underscores the government's commitment to digital transparency and equitable access, while ensuring that offline booking processes remain hassle-free and unaffected.

Starting July 1, 2025, Aadhaar authentication will be mandatory to book Tatkal train tickets on the IRCTC website or app. This update was announced in a Railway Ministry circular dated June 10, 2025, to ensure that the benefits of the Tatkal scheme reach genuine users.

The Ministry stated: "With effect from 01-07-2025, tickets under the Tatkal scheme can be booked through the IRCTC website or app only by Aadhaar authenticated users."

Additionally, from July 15, 2025, Aadhaar-based OTP authentication will also become compulsory for Tatkal bookings.

IRCTC is urging users to link and authenticate their Aadhaar in advance to make the booking process faster, safer, and more transparent.

How to Authenticate Aadhaar in Your IRCTC Account:
Step 1: Log in to the IRCTC website or app.
Step 2: Go to 'My Account' and click 'Authenticate User'.
Step 3: Enter your PAN number and Aadhaar number or Virtual ID.
Step 4: Click 'Verify Details'.
Step 5: Enter the OTP received on your Aadhaar-linked mobile, tick the consent box, and click 'Submit'.

If it fails, check your details and try again. You can recheck your status in the same section.

How to Link Aadhaar to Your IRCTC Account:
Step 1: Log in to the IRCTC portal.
Step 2: Click on 'Link Aadhaar' under the 'Profile' tab.
Step 3: Enter your name (as per Aadhaar) and Aadhaar number.
Step 4: Tick the box and click 'Send OTP'.
Step 5: Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile and click 'Verify OTP'.
Step 6: Your KYC details will be fetched. Click 'Update' to complete the process.

A confirmation message will appear once it's successfully linked.

Indian Railways has started a trial to inform waitlisted passengers about their ticket confirmation 24 hours before the train departs, instead of the current 4-hour notice.

This pilot project is currently being tested in the Bikaner Division. Railway officials say the aim is to help passengers plan better and reduce last-minute uncertainty.

“If passengers know a day in advance whether their ticket is confirmed, they can make travel plans more confidently,” said Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of Information and Publicity at the Railway Board.

The system will be implemented across India only if it receives positive feedback from passengers. However, passengers should note that cancelling a confirmed ticket can lead to significant deductions. As per the current cancellation rules:

• 25% refund if cancelled between 48 to 12 hours before departure.
• 50% refund if cancelled between 12 to 4 hours before departure.

Seats that become available due to cancellations will be reallocated through the existing booking system.

Indian Railways has started a trial to inform waitlisted passengers about their ticket confirmation 24 hours before the train departs, instead of the current 4-hour notice.

This pilot project is currently being tested in the Bikaner Division. Railway officials say the aim is to help passengers plan better and reduce last-minute uncertainty.

“If passengers know a day in advance whether their ticket is confirmed, they can make travel plans more confidently,” said Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of Information and Publicity at the Railway Board.

The system will be implemented across India only if it receives positive feedback from passengers.

However, passengers should note that cancelling a confirmed ticket can lead to significant deductions. As per the current cancellation rules:

• 25% refund if cancelled between 48 to 12 hours before departure.
• 50% refund if cancelled between 12 to 4 hours before departure.

Seats that become available due to cancellations will be reallocated through the existing booking system.

Indian Railways will reduce the Advance Reservation Period (ARP) for train bookings from 120 days to 60 days, effective November 1, 2024. This change aims to make tickets more accessible to genuine travelers by addressing the high cancellation rates—21% of bookings made between 61 to 120 days were canceled, and 5% of passengers did not cancel or travel.

The shorter ARP will help Indian Railways better plan special trains during peak seasons. Certain trains like the Taj Express and Gomti Express will maintain their current booking windows, and the 365-day ARP for foreign tourists will stay the same. Existing bookings made before October 31, 2024, will remain valid.

Indian Railways encourages passengers to plan their trips within the new 60-day period to ensure a smoother booking experience and reduce the chances of ticket hoarding.

Read the press release here
https://shorturl.at/Y4w2w

Indian Railways has a defined order of priority for trains, and trains with lower priority have to give way, or wait for higher priority trains. Previously, Rajdhani had the highest priority. But now it has moved to second place. Here is the current priority list:

1. Vande Bharat
2. Rajdhani
3. Tejas
4. Duronto
5. Shatabdi
6. Gatiman
7. Garib Rath
8. Jan Shatabdi
10. Superfast Mail / Express
11. Mail/Express

So now you know.. Vande Bharat is the current top priority train :)

The 'One India - One Ticket' campaign The 'One India - One Ticket' program has been launched by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), and Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) with the goal of improving travel convenience for Main Line Railway and Metro passengers in Delhi NCR. Through the IRCTC website and mobile app, travelers can now book Delhi Metro QR Code-based tickets in accordance with Indian Railways' Advance Reservation Period (ARP). Travel planning can be made with ease and flexibility since tickets are available for booking up to 120 days in advance and have a four-day validity period.

Key features of the new system include:
Advanced booking:
Metro tickets can now be reserved up to 120 days in advance, aligning with Indian Railways' advance reservation period.

Extended validity:
DMRC tickets will be valid for four days, offering flexibility to travellers.

Seamless integration:
Railway passengers can book Delhi Metro tickets alongside their train tickets, either at the source or destination station within the Delhi/NCR region.

Flexible cancellations:
The system allows for easy cancellations, enhancing user convenience.

Once the DMRC ticket is purchased by the railway passenger, one DMRC QR code per passenger will be printed/available in the electronic reservation slip of IRCTC.

The Food Safety And Standards Authority of India has released a list of Eat Right Stations. The "Eat Right Station" certification process involves rigorous audits of food vendors, training of food handlers, adherence to strict hygiene and sanitation protocols and efforts to raise awareness among individuals to make informed food choices. Stations that meet these stringent criteria are awarded the "Eat Right Station" certification. This will help passengers to decide which station is safe to have food from.

Click here to view and search the list

http://bit.ly/3KUyHEl

In a recent trial on the Palwal-Mathura section, the indigenous Kavach anti-train collision system, developed by RDSO, demonstrated promising results. Installed on a WAP-5 semi-high-speed engine, the system autonomously applied brakes when the driver didn't respond to a red signal, halting the train 30 meters before the signal. The successful trial aims to enhance operational safety, and the Indian Railways plans to implement the Kavach system network-wide, focusing on WAP-5 locomotives capable of 160 kmph speeds.

The Agra Division has already established a Kavach network on an 80-km stretch between Mathura and Palwal. The Delhi-Agra stretch is currently the only part of the rail network allowing speeds up to 160 kmph. The Kavach system is operational in three sections covering a 1,465-km route and in 139 locomotives in South Central Railway, contributing to safety and efficiency, especially during adverse weather conditions.

Howrah Junction, located in Kolkata, holds the distinction of being the railway station with the most platforms in India. With a staggering 23 platforms, it serves as a crucial transportation hub and accommodates over a million passengers daily. Established in 1854, the station stands not just as a nexus of Indian railways but also as a testament to India's rich railway history. Its splendid surroundings, including the iconic Howrah Bridge and the serene Hooghly River, add a unique charm to every journey commencing or ending at this station.

Grand Central Terminal, New York, US with a staggering 44 platforms has the maximum platforms in the world.

Festivals in India are synonymous with vibrant colors, delectable food, and a surge in travel as people journey to meet loved ones or celebrate at iconic locations. The Indian Railways, often described as the country's lifeline, witnesses a substantial increase in passengers during these festive periods. While the anticipation of the celebration is exciting, the accompanying rush can be overwhelming, especially for those traveling by train. Here are a few tips to ensure a smooth journey.

Booking tickets well in advance is a must, given the high demand. Most train reservations in India open 120 days before the travel date - make use of this to avoid last-minute hassles. Also, remember to choose your seats wisely; lower berths are generally more comfortable, especially for long journeys. Indian Railways provides facilities like mobile charging points and bedding on long-distance trains, but carrying your own power bank and a light blanket might prove handy. Lastly, keep an eye on your luggage and avoid leaving it unattended. Enjoy the journey, immerse yourself in the festive spirit, and make memories that will last a lifetime!

Royapuram is the oldest surviving railway station in India. Opened in 1856, this Chennai landmark still stands proud, symbolizing an era when railways began transforming the face of Indian transportation.

Royapuram's charming colonial architecture takes you back in time, reminding us of the days when steam locomotives ruled the tracks. Despite urbanization and modernization sweeping across Chennai, Royapuram Railway Station remains a cherished historical gem, a testament to India's impressive railway legacy.

Bookings for Diwali have officially begun! To ensure a seamless travel experience during the celebrations, we've opened reservations 120 days in advance. This year Diwali falls on November 12th, 2023, and we're here to make your journey to visit loved ones, vacation spots, or new destinations as comfortable and memorable as possible.

Make the most of your preferred travel dates and train choices by booking early through our user-friendly railway app. Our dedicated team is committed to offering top-notch service and our customer support is available 24/7 for any assistance. With high demand for Diwali travel dates, don't delay. Secure your seats, make your travel plans now, and look forward to a delightful journey. Wishing you a prosperous and joyous Diwali in advance!

Our honorable Railways Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, has announced something spectacular - India's first hydrogen-powered train! And the cherry on top? It's going to be designed and manufactured right here in our homeland!

Say hello to the future, meet the 'Vande Metro'! Scheduled to hit the tracks by December 2023, it's set to revolutionize our journey experiences, taking eco-friendly travel to new heights.

What's more, it's going to roll out on our most beloved, historic, narrow-gauge routes. From the ethereal landscapes of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, to the scenic vistas of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, to the captivating Kalka Shimla Railway and beyond!

Wonder what these marvels might look like? Well, we've tapped into the power of AI to bring you a sneak peek into this exciting future!

Passengers will no longer get RAC seats in Garib Rath trains. The Railway Board has taken this major decision after continuous complaints from passengers traveling with RAC tickets in Garib Rath train. Now only confirmed seats will be given in the Garib Rath Express train.

There are a total of 9 seats in a compartment of Garib Rath Express train, while there are only 8 seats in a compartment of other trains. The bogies of this train have 3 seats on the side, while the rest of the trains have only two seats on the side. In such a situation, 3 passengers traveling with RAC ticket were allotted only one seat on the side. Due to which the passengers were forced to travel at night with their heads bowed, due to which they had to face many physical problems like neck pain, back pain.

According to the information given by the Railway Board, instructions have been issued to all the concerned departments to abolish the provision of RAC in Garib Rath Express train.

In anything we do, any endeavour, it's a great success because of you. Thanks a lot for your loyalty and support. Wishing you a happy Diwali. Have a wonderful year ahead.

In a move that will benefit the passengers travelling in the economy class of the third AC economy class coaches, Indian Railways has decided to provide bedrolls to the passengers from this week according to various reports. At present Indian Railways provides bed rolls free of cost only in AC First Class, AC 2-tier sleeper and AC 3-tier sleeper - comprising of one blanket, one pillow, 2 bed sheets and one face towel.

The report also mentioned that berth no 81,82 and 83 will be used for keeping linens as there is no provision for keeping bedrolls in AC 3 tier economy coach and the passengers who have booked their seats in those three berths will be shifted to an appropriate coach under the emergency quota.

India's first private train, under the Bharat Gaurav Scheme, started its maiden service from Coimbatore North Station of Tamil Nadu to Sainagar Shirdi of Maharashtra, on Tuesday, June 14, at 6 pm.

This private train is being operated by a firm named South Star Rail.

This train will stop at Tirupur, Erode, Salem, Yelahanka, Dharmavaram, Mantralayam and Wadi. Onwards to Shirdi, train will stop at Mantralayam for five hours long, to facilitate the darshan of the famous temple in the town.

The rates are on par with regular train ticket rates charged by Indian Railways and provide exclusive VIP Darshan at Shirdi Sai Baba Temple.

Tourists can opt for either train ticket fare or package. Ticket charges for the sleeper, third class AC, second class AC, and first class AC are Rs 2500, Rs 5000, Rs 7000, and Rs 10,000 respectively. The package fare is about Rs 4,999, Rs 7,999, Rs 9,999 and Rs 12,999 respectively.

There will be a Train Captain, a doctor, private security personnel, along with the Railway Police Force on board. Electricians, AC mechanics and fire and safety officers are also deployed onboard.

The smoke-free coaches have high bass speakers and a Radio Jockey on board to play devotional songs, spiritual stories, and live interviews.