Now, passengers can book rail tickets 120 days in advance

Travellers on trains will soon be able to book tickets 120 days in advance - instead of the current 60 days.

On Tuesday, the railway ministry announced the facility would be available from Wednesday. This is expected to cut last-minute rush for reservations.

"For instance, as on April 1, for trains leaving on July 28, the reservation can be obtained for a journey on all days between April 1 and July 28," the ministry stated, without disclosing the quantum of additional earnings that will accrue to the railways as increased interest income.

A senior rail ministry official said it would calculate the total benefit based on the pattern and share of advance bookings in overall bookings once the new system comes into play.

"At the moment, it is difficult to make an assumption of additional benefit from the increased booking period," he said.

The ministry clarified there would be no change in the case of some express trains, including Taj Express, Gomti Express and a few special trains, where a lower time limits for advance reservations are in effect. Also, there will be no change in the case of the limit of 360 days for foreign tourists.