IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) is a Government of India enterprise under the Ministry of Railways. It is the official online platform for booking Indian Railways train tickets and offers several travel-related services, including catering, tourism, hotel bookings, and holiday packages.

Now, Indian Railways is set to introduce a new Tatkal token system at selected railway reservation counters in participating railway zones starting August 1. The initiative is designed to make offline Tatkal ticket booking smoother and reduce long queues outside Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters.

The new Tatkal token system applies only to passengers booking tickets at railway reservation counters. There is no change to Tatkal ticket bookings through the IRCTC website or the IRCTC Rail Connect mobile app.

About the New Tatkal Token System

Under the new Tatkal token system, passengers must collect a token before joining the queue to book a Tatkal ticket. Each token carries a sequence number that determines the passenger’s turn at the reservation counter. Instead of waiting in long queues, passengers will be called according to their token number. The move aims to make the booking process more organized and efficient.

Token Distribution Timings

Passengers should collect their tokens before Tatkal booking timings begin.

AC Tatkal

• Token distribution: 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM
• Ticket booking begins: 10:00 AM

Non-AC Tatkal

• Token distribution: 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM
• Ticket booking begins: 11:00 AM

Only the token collection schedule is new. The actual Tatkal booking timings remain unchanged.

Who Does the New Tatkal Token System Apply To?

The new Tatkal token system is meant only for:

• Passengers booking Tatkal tickets at PRS reservation counters
• Offline Tatkal bookings

It does not apply to:

• IRCTC online bookings
• IRCTC Rail Connect app bookings
• Other online ticket booking platforms

Passengers using online services can continue Tatkal ticket booking through the IRCTC website and mobile app as usual.

How Many Tokens Will Be Issued?

Initially, each reservation counter is expected to issue:

• 10 tokens for AC Tatkal bookings
• 15 tokens for Sleeper and other non-AC Tatkal bookings

Railway authorities may increase or decrease these numbers depending on passenger demand at individual stations. If Tatkal seats remain available after all token holders complete their bookings, the remaining tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

How to Book Tatkal Tickets Using the New Token System

The booking process is simple:

1. Visit the railway reservation counter during the token distribution window.
2. Collect a Tatkal token for your travel class.
3. Wait for your token number to be announced.
4. Proceed to the reservation counter when your turn arrives.
5. Complete your Tatkal ticket booking.

This process is expected to reduce overcrowding and make the booking process more orderly.

Also Read: Maharajas’ Express: Routes, Ticket Prices, Cabins, and Everything You Need to Know

Required Documents

Passengers booking Tatkal tickets at reservation counters should carry a valid government-issued photo ID. They should also keep the details of all passengers ready before reaching the counter.

Accepted identity documents include:

• Aadhaar Card
• Voter ID
• Passport
• Driving Licence
• PAN Card
• Any other government-approved photo ID

Having the required documents ready can help speed up the booking process.

No Change for Online IRCTC Users

Passengers booking Tatkal tickets online do not need to follow the new token process. The IRCTC website and the IRCTC Rail Connect app will continue to operate as before. The new Tatkal token system is exclusively for offline Tatkal bookings at selected railway reservation counters.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When does the new Tatkal token system start?
The new Tatkal token system will be introduced starting August 1 in selected railway zones.

Does the new Tatkal token system apply to IRCTC bookings?
No. The system applies only to offline Tatkal bookings at railway reservation counters. Tatkal ticket booking through the IRCTC website and mobile app remains unchanged.

What are the token distribution timings?
AC Tatkal tokens will be issued from 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM, while non-AC Tatkal tokens will be distributed from 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM.

Will Tatkal booking timings change?
No. AC Tatkal booking will continue to start at 10:00 AM, and Sleeper and other non-AC Tatkal booking will continue to begin at 11:00 AM.

What documents are required for offline Tatkal booking?
Passengers should carry a valid government-issued photo ID, such as an Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, PAN Card, or another government-approved photo identity document, while booking at a reservation counter.

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