IRCTC Denies Changes to Tatkal Booking Timings Amid Viral Claims

 New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Indian Railways is considered to be the safest, most economical and popular mode of long distance travel. But for the past few days, some news about the change in the rules of Tatkal ticket booking was becoming increasingly viral on social media. It was being claimed in these reports that from April 15, 2025, the Railways is going to change the timing of Tatkal ticket booking. This news had created confusion among many railway passengers. However, now the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) itself has clarified the situation on this matter.

What was the viral news?

In fact, it was being said in the discussions going on on social media that the Indian Railways, which transports crores of people to their destinations every day, is going to change the time of Tatkal ticket booking from April 15, 2025. The viral posts also claimed that different timings can be fixed for normal Tatkal and premium Tatkal tickets.

IRCTC cleared the confusion, issued clarification

In view of the growing confusion among passengers due to this viral news, IRCTC has issued an official statement on the social media platform 'X' (formerly Twitter). IRCTC has clarified that no change in the time of Tatkal ticket booking is proposed nor any such change is being implemented.

IRCTC wrote in its post, "Some posts are circulating on social media channels, which mention different timings for Tatkal and Premium Tatkal tickets. No such change is proposed in the Tatkal or Premium Tatkal booking time for AC or Non-AC classes. Booking time for agents will also remain unchanged."

What are the rules for instant ticket booking now?

For the information of passengers, under the current system, Tatkal e-tickets can be booked just one day before the date of travel. AC Classes (AC Classes – 2A, 3A, CC, EC, 3E): Booking starts at 10:00 am. Non-AC Classes (Non-AC Classes – SL, FC, 2S): Booking starts at 11:00 am.

It is important to note that Tatkal ticket booking facility is not available in First AC class. Tatkal tickets can be booked through the official website and app of IRCTC, with a limited number of seats available at a small additional charge.

Tatkal Ticket Cancellation and Charges

The additional charge levied on Tatkal tickets is 10% of the basic fare for second class and 30% of the basic fare for all other classes. Most importantly, if your Tatkal ticket is confirmed, there is no refund on cancelling it. However, if the Tatkal ticket is waitlisted and you cancel it, a refund is given after making applicable deductions as per the current guidelines of railways.

Therefore, railway passengers are advised not to pay attention to the rumors circulating on social media and trust only the information received from official sources. IRCTC has clarified that there is no change in the timing of Tatkal booking.