Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 3: In a move aimed at enhancing passenger convenience, Indian Railways has revised the timing of reservation chart preparation for train journeys. As per a new directive, the first reservation chart for trains departing between 5 am and 2 pm will now be prepared by 9 pm on the previous day. For all other trains, the first chart will be readied eight hours before the scheduled departure.
This change was announced by the Railway Board through a circular dated July 2 and communicated to all zones for immediate implementation, although no specific rollout date was mentioned.

A railway official explained that the update is intended to help passengers plan their journeys with greater certainty. "Once the chart is ready, vacant seats will be available under the current booking quota," the official noted. The second chart, typically prepared between 30 minutes and five minutes before departure, will continue as usual and is largely meant for last-minute bookings.
Since 2015, Indian Railways had standardized chart preparation to four hours before departure to unify practices across zones. Prior to that, no uniform timing existed.
The latest decision, though not triggered by direct passenger feedback, follows a pilot project in the Bikaner Rail Division where reservation charts were made 24 hours in advance. The ministry found the eight-hour lead time a balanced option for clarity and convenience.
Officials highlighted that early chart preparation helps reduce uncertainty. "Knowing ticket status eight hours before departure gives passengers enough time to make alternative plans if needed. However, once confirmed, ticket cancellations incur substantial deductions," the official added.
Under the current cancellation rules, if a confirmed ticket is cancelled between 48 and 12 hours before the journey, only 25 percent of the fare is refunded. Vacated seats from cancellations will continue to be allocated through the current booking system.