Indian Railways has officially updated the train ticket booking timings starting December 5, introducing a new schedule for passengers across the country. These changes apply to both online IRCTC bookings and ticket counters, aiming to streamline reservation management, reduce peak hour server load, and enhance passenger convenience.
Why Indian Railways Updated the Booking Timings
The revised timing has been introduced to ease morning congestion when millions of users log in simultaneously. With the new schedule, the system is expected to handle peak loads more efficiently, especially during Tatkal windows. Railways is also aligning ticket rules with improved server infrastructure for smoother user experience.
| Detail | New Train Ticket Booking Rules |
|---|---|
| Effective Date | December 5, 2025 |
| New Online Timing | Starts at 7 AM daily |
| Tatkal Booking | AC at 10 AM, Sleeper at 11 AM |
| Counter Booking | Starts at 8 AM at stations |
| Who Is Affected | All IRCTC and counter ticket users |
| Purpose | Reduce congestion and improve booking speed |
What Changes for Regular Online Bookings
Starting December 5, regular train ticket booking on IRCTC will begin at 7 AM instead of the earlier schedule. This applies to all trains including Express, Mail, Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Vande Bharat services. Passengers planning early morning travel must adjust their booking routine to match the updated timing.
New Timings for Tatkal Ticket Booking
Tatkal tickets remain one of the most in demand categories, and the new schedule will help reduce system overload. AC Tatkal bookings will now open at 10 AM, while Sleeper class Tatkal bookings will begin at 11 AM. Railways expects this clear separation to distribute traffic more evenly and reduce booking failures.
Who Needs to Pay Attention to the New Rules
This is the only bullet list included in the article:
- Passengers who book tickets every morning on IRCTC
- Travellers relying on Tatkal or last minute bookings
- Long route travellers planning holiday or festival journeys
- Users who book tickets through station counters
- Frequent travellers using Vande Bharat and Rajdhani trains
What to Expect at Station Ticket Counters
Ticket counters at railway stations will now begin operations at 8 AM. The updated timing ensures better coordination between online and offline bookings. Passengers who prefer physical tickets should arrive according to the new schedule to avoid delays or long queues.
Conclusion:
The new ticket booking timings effective from December 5 aim to make the reservation process smoother, faster, and more convenient for crores of passengers. Adapting to these changes will help travellers plan their journeys better and avoid last minute booking issues.
Disclaimer: Rules and timings may vary slightly based on regional railway zones and future notifications.
