Railways rationalise advanced booking system

In order to provide additional booking facilities, the Indian Railways on Tuesday started rationalising computerised passenger reservation system (PRS).

According to the railway ministry, with effect from November 12 passengers will be able to buy tickets even after the reservation charts are prepared.

The rationalisation exercise will facilitate the implementation of revised refund rules which were notified recently.

"Under this exercise, sufficient time gap will be provided to passengers between preparation of charts and departure of train so that they can plan journeys properly," the ministry was quoted in a statement.

The ministry elaborated that reservation charts will invariably be made at least four hours before the scheduled departure of the train.

In case the charts are not prepared four hours in advance, the PRS will automatically generate a final list before the scheduled departure of train.

"After preparation of first chart, the reservation will again become open at the PRS counters, as well as on internet and the passengers can book the available accommodation in the train," the statement added.

In case of wait-list ticket, the passengers will be given facility to cancel the ticket up to 30 minutes before the scheduled departure of the train.