You can now book railway tickets five minutes before departure; this new development by the Indian Railways will probably help thousands of travellers in times of emergency. Not only this, but you can also cancel your tickets five minutes before departure. The new rule has already come into effect. After months of lockdown and insurity, the Indian Railways has now also returned to its original ways by preparing a second reservation chart 30 minutes before your departure.
Currently, the Railways is running special trains across the country, and has come up with new guidelines in line with Standard Operating Procedures for COVID-19. The first reservation chart is prepared four hours before departure, while the second one comes out 5 – 30 minutes before departure.
Henceforth, you can book your train tickets until the second reservation chart has been prepared. You can book online, or through the Passengers Reservation System (PRS) counters until the second chart is prepared. You will get a seat if there has been a cancellation.
This announcement comes amidst ongoing reopening of businesses, and transportation in the country. The Indian Railways has also launched 39 special trains for the upcoming festive season in India. All this points to the fact that travelling could return in the country; however, it may take some time to go back to the old days of travel.