Tatkal Railway Reservation; Tatkal Train Ticket Booking; Tatkal Reservation Availability

In those earlier days of when computerization of railways tickets were introduced, there was no provision for the last minute ticket booking; in other words no reserve was kept for last minute booking. This meant great inconvenience for a passenger, who got some emergency and wants to take journey in short duration. However, later on Indian Railways introduced 'Tatkal Reservation' or provision to book ticket just few days before of the train departure. Thus Tatkal was synonymous of last minute ticket booking. However, it does not mean, that it is possible to book a ticket literally last minute. 

This facility with a bringing of some changes w.e.f. 24th Dec. 11, opens one days advance of commencement of train journey. Tatkal booking (e-tickets only) can be made 24 hours in advance (excluding the date of journey). This is a popular scheme introduced by the railways to facilitate emergency travel to passengers.

Tatkal tickets are a little expensive than normal tickets. By booking a ticket under the Agreement Tatkal, a passenger must book the ticket for the entire train trip (with some exceptions), although one may choose a different boarding station from the station. To book tickets Tatkal one must also pay an additional charge Tatkal.

The Tatkal Charges have been fixed as a percentage of fare at the rate of 10% of basic fare for second class and 30% of basic fare for all other classes subject to minimum and maximum as given in the table below:-

Class of Travel	Minimum Tatkal Charges (in Rs.)	Maximum Tatkal Charges (in Rs.)
Second (sitting)	10.00	15.00
Sleeper	75.00	150.00
AC Chair Car	75.00	150.00
AC 3 Tier	200.00	300.00
AC 2 Tier	200.00	300.00
Executive	200.00	300.00

The above charges will be levied uniformly both in peak period and non-peak periods.

Tatkal tickets will be issued for actual distance of travel, instead of end-to-end, subject to the distance restriction applicable to the train. The same Tatkal berth/seat may be booked in multiple legs till preparation of charts. At the time of preparation of charts, unutilized portion may be released to the General RAC/Waiting list passengers.

Tatkal booking opens at  8 AM on one days in advance  actual date of journey excluding date of journey w.e.f. of 24-12-2011, e.g. for train leaving on 6th, Tatkal Booking will Commence at 8 AM on 5th.

The salient features of the changes introduced w.e.f. 24th Dec 11 are followings:


1.  Tatakal tickets can now be booked one day in advance excluding the day of travel
2. At the time of booking, a self attested copy of one of the nine prescribed proofs of identity must be given. Original of same, must be carried by atleast one of the passengers during travel. The passengers whose identity card number is indicated on the ticket must travel; otherwise the other passengers on the ticket will be treated as travelling without ticket.
3. No duplicate ticket will be issued.
4. A maximum of four passengers cab be booked on one tatkal ticket (on one PNR).
5. No refund will be granted on cancellation of the confirmed tatkal ticket subject to such as cancellation of trains, late running of trains for more than three hours etc.
6. For Internet booking of tatkal ticket passengers will have to enter the identity proof -type  and its card number, which is to be sued for travel.


The facility of change of name is not permitted on the bookings made under Tatkal scheme.

For the purpose of granting refunds and issuing TDRs for W/L, the time limit will be the same as applicable for refund of normal tickets.

REFUNDS   -  As railways latest announcements, there would be no refund on the confirmed tickets. However, full refund of fare and tatkal charges will be granted on the tickets booked under Tatkal scheme in the following circumstances :-

-   If the train is delayed by more than 3 hours at the journey originating point of the passenger and not the boarding point if the passenger's journey originating point and boarding point are different.

-   If the train is to run on a diverted route and passenger is not willing to travel.

-  If the train is to run on diverted route and boarding station or the destination or both the stations are not on the diverted route.

-  In case of non attachment of coach in which Tatkal accommodation has been earmarked and the passenger has not been provided accommodation in the same class.

-  If the party has been accommodated in lower class and does not want to travel. In case the party travels in lower class, the passenger will be given refund of difference of fare and also the difference of Tatkal charges, if any.