Amid a flurry of social media posts suggesting that Indian Railways had implemented changes to its Tatkal ticket booking process effective from 15 April, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has issued a formal denial. According to the corporation, there have been no alterations to the booking schedule for either Tatkal or Premium Tatkal tickets, nor are there any such changes planned.

This clarification comes in the wake of several misleading online claims alleging adjustments to booking timings for both air-conditioned (AC), non-AC classes, and tickets booked via authorised agents.

“Inaccurate posts circulating across social media platforms have mentioned revised timings for Tatkal and Premium Tatkal ticket bookings,” IRCTC noted in an official statement. “We would like to confirm that no such amendments have been made to the booking timings for AC or non-AC classes. The schedule for authorised agent bookings remains the same.”

Present Tatkal Booking Timetable

As outlined by IRCTC:

As per IRCTC, a Tatkal E-ticket can be booked for selected trains one day in advance, excluding the date of journey from the trains schedule originating station. It can be booked on the opening day from 10:00 IST for the AC class (2A/3A/CC/EC/3E) and at 11:00 IST for the non-AC class (SL/FC/2S)

What Are Tatkal Tickets?

Tatkal tickets are a last-minute booking facility introduced by Indian Railways to assist passengers with urgent travel needs. These tickets are limited in number and are made available daily through the official IRCTC website and mobile app.

Tatkal Pricing Structure

An additional fee is levied on Tatkal bookings in addition to the base fare:

·         Second Class: 10% of the basic fare. 

·         Other Classes: 30% of the basic fare

These fees are regulated within prescribed minimum and maximum limits.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

• Confirmed Tatkal tickets are non-refundable upon cancellation by the passenger.
• In the case of waitlisted Tatkal tickets or cancellations due to operational contingencies, applicable deductions will be made in accordance with existing railway policies.