Railways New Norms: Nationwide 8‑Hour Reservation Chart Prep Starts July 17

Udaipur, July 17, 2025 – In a passenger-focused update, the Indian Railway Board has announced a nationwide rollout of the 8-hour reservation chart preparation system. This system, which was earlier implemented on a pilot basis in a few railway zones, has proven successful and will now be implemented nationwide from July 18, starting midnight of July 17. This change replaces the earlier 4-hour charting window

Under the new system:

• For trains departing between midnight and 5:00 am, the reservation chart will be prepared 8 hours in advance.
• For trains departing between 5:00 am and 2:00 pm, the chart will be ready by 9:00 pm the previous night.
• For trains departing between 2:00 pm and midnight, the chart will again be prepared 8 hours in advance.

Tatkat Tickets: OTP Verification Now Must

According to Shashi Kiran, Chief Public Relations Officer of North Western Railway, from July 15, OTP (One-Time Password) verification via Aadhaar has become mandatory for booking Tatkal tickets online.
Passengers will not be able to book Tatkal tickets without verifying their mobile number through OTP.

Under the new system:

• Tatkal tickets will be available through IRCTC’s official website and mobile app, PRS counters, or authorised agents only after successful OTP authentication.
• The OTP will be generated by the railway reservation system and sent to the mobile number provided at the time of booking.
• Passengers booking Tatkal tickets must carry a mobile number linked with their Aadhaar during the booking process.

Bulk Booking Restrictions

To prevent mass bookings at the start of the reservation window, authorised railway ticketing agents will not be allowed to book Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of the opening window:

• For AC classes, this restriction will apply from 10:00 am to 10:30 am.
• For non-AC classes, it will apply from 11:00 am to 11:30 am.

Benefits for Passengers

These new railway measures are designed to benefit common passengers:

• Preparing reservation charts 8 hours in advance will help passengers arrange alternative travel plans in case of unconfirmed tickets. The expanded time frame reduces the chances of unexpected waitlist confirmations at the last minute
• OTP verification for Tatkal bookings is expected to reduce misuse and make tickets more easily available to genuine travellers.
• Standardisation ensures all divisions follow the same timeline, improving clarity and reducing stress.

This upgrade by Indian Railways is part of its broader reforms - including the introduction of Aadhaar OTP verification for Tatkal bookings. The Railways aim is to make railway travel fairer, more transparent and more passenger-friendly. 

Source: Media Reports