50% refund on Tatkal tickets soon: Railways

In a major decision taken to streamline the booking of railway tickets through Tatkal route, the Railway Ministry has changed the booking timings for AC and non-AC classes. Also, in what will be a major relief to passengers using Tatkal tickets to travel to their destinations, the Ministry is mulling 50 per cent refund on cancellation of the same, which was earlier not there.

Talking to Millennium Post, Railway Board Member (Traffic) Ajay Shukla said: “Keeping in view huge rush for Tatkal booking, the Railway Ministry has decided to separate the timings of booking for AC and non-AC classes. The booking for AC classes would be open from 10 am to 11 am, while tickets of non-AC classes can be booked from 11 am to 12 pm daily,” adding: “The new Tatkal booking schedule will come into effect in the next couple of days.”

The Ministry is also mulling giving refund on cancellation of Tatkal tickets, the percentage of which would be calculated based on the time-frame. “We have decided to give upto 50 per cent refund on cancellation of Tatkal tickets as it has come to notice that several passengers lose their money when they have to terminate their travel plan in some unavoidable circumstances. This move will help them to get their money back,” Shukla said.

The public transporter has decided to rechristen premium trains as ‘Suvidha’ trains with an overhaul in the fare structure, cancellations and bookings, the rail official said.