The document discusses various luxury tourist train services operated by Indian Railways that offer scenic rail journeys across different regions of India. It provides details about the Palace on Wheels, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, Deccan Odyssey, Golden Chariot, Maharajas' Express and other trains; and also summarizes hill railways like Kalka-Shimla, Darjeeling Himalayan, Kangra Valley and Nilgiri Mountain Railways that traverse mountainous areas. Contact information is given for booking and charter trips on these trains.

1. Railways And Tourism
Introduction experiencing heavenly tales etched in colossal rocks in Jaigad / Ganpatipule /
India by rail offers a fascinating odyssey through time and space, cultures and Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg / Tarkarli / Sawantwadi, Goa, Kolhapur / Pune,
history offering glimpses of unity amidst diversity, shrouded in enchanting mystery, Ellora/Aurangabad, Tadoba Sanctuary, Ajanta/Nasik. Facilities onboard include
colours that captures the heart while soothing the soul. channel music, intercom, cd/mp3 player, wall-to-wall carpeting, money exchange/
No one offers the multi-dimensional magic of the real India more excitingly than credit card facility, safety & security arrangements, health spa, bar, conference
the Indian Railways - the second largest railway system in the world covering equipments. The journey is also available on the itinerary of Mumbai, Chalisgaon,
63,000 km. of track laid across 7,000 stations, running around 16,000 trains Bhusawal, Udaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Jaipur, Bharatpur, Agra, Delhi and
everyday. The convenient, well connected routes offer to the passengers hassle- Back.
free tours to some of the most exotic places in the world. For further information and booking please visit:
Segments of Rail Tourism Luxury Website: www.maharashtratourism.gov.in
Tourist Trains
Palace on Wheels - An extraordinary train for the extraordinary people. A train The Golden Chariot
with historic charm and modern conveniences. A royal train beckoning you to The lands once ridden by formidable armies is now traversed by the world’s
step aboard for a week of splendour. It takes you on a royal odyssey. Bringing unique luxury train. The Golden Chariot beckons you to discover worlds that are
alive the luxury of princely travel of the age of the Raj, the Palace-on-Wheels has enriched with history and culture. Recline and relax as the magnificent scenery
also been designed to suit the modern needs with central air-conditioning, soothing unfolds outside your window with luxury on the inside, thus far reserved for
four channel music, interconnected telephone system in the train, a separate royalty. We present the Golden Chariot - a fine balance between a glorious
pantry and lounge in each coach, comfortable with privacy of attached bathrooms, yesterday and on omnipresent tomorrow in a magical land... Karnataka, Goa,
Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry on the following itineraries.
Itinerary I - Bangalore, Mysore, Hassan, Hospet, Badami, Goa, Bangalore.
Itinerary II - Bangalore, Chennai, Puducherry, Tanjavur, Madurai, Nagercoil,
Trivandrum, Ernakulam, Bangalore.
For further information and booking please visit:
Website: www.goldenchariot.org
Maharajas’ Express
An Experience Extraordinaire - The Maharajas’ Express is a Luxury Offering
from Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd., New Delhi.
A design marvel, the train offers several unique features from having most
spacious cabins to having personal valets attached to each cabin to take care of
the guests. State of the art facilities like live TV, Wi-Fi internet, individual tempera-
ture control in each cabin, environment friendly toilet systems, CCTV cameras in
public areas to ensure security, direct dialing telephones to make international
calls, make the experience all the more enjoyable. With hair dryers, electronic
safe deposit boxes in each room, bath tubs and mini bars (in suites and presiden-
tial suite), the train offers almost everything that one would imagine to travel in
two specialty restaurants -”Maharaja” and “Maharani”, serving exotic Indian, luxury. Savoring the culinary delights, sitting in either of the two restaurants -
Continental and Rajasthani cuisine, a well stocked bar, a reading and relaxing Mayur Mahal and Rang Mahal, one can have a glimpse of the picturesque
coach and friendly smiling attendants serving you round the clock. hinterland from the large windows specially created for the Maharajas’ Express.
The 14 coaches of the Palace-on-Wheels with rich decor that evoke the age of The guests can relax in the Safari Bar or the Rajah Club and choose from our
Rajput chivalry, are named after former Rajput States-Kota, Jaipur, Udaipur, selection of choicest wines and liquors.
Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Alwar, Sirohi, Kishangarh, Bundi, Dungarpur,
Bharatpur, Jhalawar and Dholpur. With 4 categories of accommodation to choose from, guests can select the cabin
As most of the traveling is done at night, your days are left free - for discovering the they would wish to spend their sojourn - all with en suite facilities. The train can
delights of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh covering an itinerary of Delhi, Jaipur, accommodate 88 guests. There are 14 guest carriages featuring 43 cabins in
Sawai Madhopur, Chittaurgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur total, which include 20 Deluxe Cabins, 18 Junior Suites, 4 Suites and one truly
and Agra. classical Presidential Suite.
A lifetime experience, the journey on Maharajas’ Express brings one closer
Royal Rajasthan on Wheels to bygone era of imperial India.
After successfully running Palace on Wheels for more than two and a half decades, Contact Details:
the Indian Railways in association with Rajasthan Tourism Development Tele: +91-9717635915, Fax: +91-11-23232908
Corporation Ltd. launched a new train “Royal Rajasthan on Wheels” with added E-mail: maharajas@irctc.com, Web: www.the-maharajas.com
facilities compared to Palace on Wheels which itself is the bench mark in its
segment, on the itinerary of Delhi, Udaipur, Chittaurgarh, Sawai Madhopur, Jaipur,
Khajuraho, Varanasi and Agra.
For further information and booking of POW & RROW,
please visit Website: www.rtdc.in
Deccan Odyssey
Experience the finest and the best of train journeys of the world.
The Deccan Odyssey is more than a mere luxury train cruise. A lavishly
decorated train that transports its guests on an unforgettable sojourn of a land
shining in legions’ grandeur, serene beaches, magnificent forts and palaces, and
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2. Railways And Tourism
Fairy Queen ITINERARY (on every 2 nd and 4 th Saturday starting from
Indian Railways proudly offer a unique two days all-inclusive 4th Saturday of October to 2nd Saturday of March)
package by combining thrills, romance and wildlife and Day-1 Saturday ................... Delhi Dep. (09.00 hrs.) Tiger Den
heritage on the Fairy Queen.
Day-2 Sunday .................... Alwar, Tiger Sanctuary
Special Feature:
Day-2 Sunday ..................... Delhi Arrival (18.45 hrs.)
Exciting journey on board the Fairy Queen
Note : The dates for operation of Fairy Queen in Financial Year 2012-
Stay at Hotel Tiger Den
13 will be notified depending on the availability of the Loco of Fairy
Jeep Safari in Tiger Sanctuary
Queen.
Built in 1855.
World’s oldest working engine For further information and bookings please contact:
Still steaming International Tourist Bureau, New Delhi Railway Station, New
Guinness Book record holder Delhi-110001. Tel: 91-11-23405156, 23346804, Fax: 91-11-23343050
Winner of National Tourism Award E-Mail: itbnrind@vsnl.com / itbnrind@hotmail.com Online booking
Fairy Queen is also available for charter trips is available at www.railtourismindia.com
Hill Railways
Hill Railways Kalka - Shimla Railway
The mighty Himalayas are an apt crown for India. The glory of Offers tourist a breathtaking view of the Himalayan Peaks,
the Himalayan range is unmatched and can best be snow capped mountains, inviting trails, the heady fragrance
of flowers... and a wonderful opportunity to take in all these
leisurely, as the toy train from Kalka winds its way up slowly
and steadily to Shimla.
The train takes six hours for the 96 km. journey from Kalka
to Shimla. The toy train journey from kalka to Shimla is
entrancing with 107 tunnels and lofty arched bridges.
The dazzling view and the stops at the picturesque stations
along the way-all add up an exhilarating experience.
Special trains as per details given below are available
for charter trips:
SI. No. Compositions Charges (approx.)
1 Shivalik Palace coach + Shivalik Rs. 33,000/-
Queen Coach +Twin heritage coach
2 Shivalik Palace coach + Shivalik Rs. 46,000/-
Queen Coach +Twin heritage coach
appreciated by seeing them with one’s own eyes. The Indian + Two Shivalik deluxe chair car
coaches (Ultra modern coach with
Railways have made awe-inspiring contribution by bringing
reversible chairs)
the mountain range closer to us through engineering marvels
and dedicated efforts put up by the masters of the craft. The 3 Six Shivalik deluxe chair car coaches Rs. 43,000/-
Indian Railways has moved a step forward with working out (Ultra modern coach with reversible
the most affordable rates for the chartered trips for the tourist- chairs) (Carrying capacity 120
groups on the mountain railways passengers)
287

3. Railways And Tourism
Fairy Queen ITINERARY (on every 2 nd and 4 th Saturday starting from
Indian Railways proudly offer a unique two days all-inclusive 4th Saturday of October to 2nd Saturday of March)
package by combining thrills, romance and wildlife and Day-1 Saturday ................... Delhi Dep. (09.00 hrs.) Tiger Den
heritage on the Fairy Queen.
Day-2 Sunday .................... Alwar, Tiger Sanctuary
Special Feature:
Day-2 Sunday ..................... Delhi Arrival (18.45 hrs.)
Exciting journey on board the Fairy Queen
Note : The dates for operation of Fairy Queen in Financial Year 2012-
Stay at Hotel Tiger Den
13 will be notified depending on the availability of the Loco of Fairy
Jeep Safari in Tiger Sanctuary
Queen.
Built in 1855.
World’s oldest working engine For further information and bookings please contact:
Still steaming International Tourist Bureau, New Delhi Railway Station, New
Guinness Book record holder Delhi-110001. Tel: 91-11-23405156, 23346804, Fax: 91-11-23343050
Winner of National Tourism Award E-Mail: itbnrind@vsnl.com / itbnrind@hotmail.com Online booking
Fairy Queen is also available for charter trips is available at www.railtourismindia.com
Hill Railways
Hill Railways Kalka - Shimla Railway
The mighty Himalayas are an apt crown for India. The glory of Offers tourist a breathtaking view of the Himalayan Peaks,
the Himalayan range is unmatched and can best be snow capped mountains, inviting trails, the heady fragrance
of flowers... and a wonderful opportunity to take in all these
leisurely, as the toy train from Kalka winds its way up slowly
and steadily to Shimla.
The train takes six hours for the 96 km. journey from Kalka
to Shimla. The toy train journey from kalka to Shimla is
entrancing with 107 tunnels and lofty arched bridges.
The dazzling view and the stops at the picturesque stations
along the way-all add up an exhilarating experience.
Special trains as per details given below are available
for charter trips:
SI. No. Compositions Charges (approx.)
1 Shivalik Palace coach + Shivalik Rs. 33,000/-
Queen Coach +Twin heritage coach
2 Shivalik Palace coach + Shivalik Rs. 46,000/-
Queen Coach +Twin heritage coach
appreciated by seeing them with one’s own eyes. The Indian + Two Shivalik deluxe chair car
coaches (Ultra modern coach with
Railways have made awe-inspiring contribution by bringing
reversible chairs)
the mountain range closer to us through engineering marvels
and dedicated efforts put up by the masters of the craft. The 3 Six Shivalik deluxe chair car coaches Rs. 43,000/-
Indian Railways has moved a step forward with working out (Ultra modern coach with reversible
the most affordable rates for the chartered trips for the tourist- chairs) (Carrying capacity 120
groups on the mountain railways passengers)
287

4. Railways And Tourism
For further details and bookings contact: The 16 tunnels and tall girder bridges on the way, along
Sr. Divisional Commercial Manager, Station Superintendent, with breathtaking view, make it a ’not-to-be-missed’
DRM Office, Rail Vihar, Ambala Cantt. Kalka Railway Station, Kalka journey.
Ph No. 0171-2610125 Ph No. 01 733-225088
Fax No. 0171-2610596 Mob No. 09729539932 The only Rack-’n-Pinion section on the Indian Railways.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Kangra Valley Railway
The most famous of the hill trains, links the town of New The Pathankot - Joginder Nagar section is the rail - approach
Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling.
to the beautiful Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh.
The breathtaking landscape of Derjeeling (2127 m. above the
The Kangra Valley is one of the most picturesque valleys of
sea level) must be seen to be believed - the Himalayas in all
their glory, orchids swaying in the gentle breeze, lush green tea the lower Himalayas. The Valley, sheltered by the sublime
estates... Dhauladhar range, is green and luxuriant.
The toy train runs on the world’s narrowest (2 ft) of the regular It provides a tremendous contrast in nature of places to
narrow gauge lines. be visited. Dharmsala is full of Buddhist air whereas ancient
Conferred with the status of World Heritage Site, the Hindu Temples like Brajeshwari, Baijnath, Jawalamukhi
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is really a tourist’s delight. and Chamunda Devi dot the country side.
Enjoy Steam Train Charter from any station to any station on Kangra Valley Railway also runs charter trains on demand as
DHR. DHR offers chartertrips on demand. The dates for per details given below:
operation of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway in Financial Year
4 First class coaches (seating capacity 18 each) + 1 SLR
2011-12 will be notified depending on the availability of the
Loco. cum Guard van
Pathankot dep 08.50 hrs
All steam charters are charged at INR 20,000/-. Booking a Steam-
Palampur arr. 13.15 hrs with only two or three stops enroute
Charter is very easy now. All you have to do is to log on to
www.railtourismindia.com or www.dhr.in Palampur dep. 13.30 hrs
DHR also offers special Joy Rides between Darjeeling and Pathankot arr. 19.00 hrs with only two or three stops enroute
Ghum, extra pair of trains to / from New Jalpaiguri and
Darjeeling and Jungle (Heritage) Safari during the tourist
For further details and booking contact:
season. You can call at +91 354 225 2555 to know about
special services or ask by email to director@dhr.in or Station Superintendent,
director.dhr@gmail.com Pathankot Railway Station, Pathankot Ph. No. 0186-2330175
Traffic Inspector, Nagrota Railway Station, Nagrota
Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Mob No. 09805032230 (weekdays, 9am to 6pm)
Nestling among the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, at 2,600 m.
above sea level, is the “Queen of Indian Hill Stations” - Matheran Light Railway
Udhagamandalam (Ooty). The dates for operation of Nilgiri The 84-year-old line connects Neral to Matheran
Mountain Railway in Financial Year 2011-12 will be notified Matheran is a tiny hill resort, close to Mumbai.
depending on the availability of the Loco.
No blaring car horns. No trucks rumbling down the roads.
The train starts from the town of Mettupalaiyam and thus No buses... Matheran is a quiet and peaceful hill resort
begins a journey full of twist and turns, as this Metre Gauge
which is out of bounds to vehicular traffic all through the
train ascends 46km. on its way to the hill resort of Ooty in
four and halfhours. year.
The lack of vehicular traffic at Matheran makes it an unusual
The toy train treks across the plains, the plantations and the
forest clad hills. and peaceful retreat.
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5. 289

6. INDIAN RAILWAY CATERING AND
TOURISM CORPORATION LTD.
(A Government of India Enterprise)
MAIL/EXPRESS TRAINS
MENU FOR STANDARD BREAKFAST AND STANDARD MEALS
SN Item Menu Quantity Rates
1. Standard Breakfast
(in casserole) Vegetarian
(a) Bread Butter & Cutlet Veg. Cutlets-2 nos 100 gms.
2 bread slices with 10 gms butter chiplet of total weight 70 gms.
Tomato Ketchup sachet. Salt/Pepper 15 gms.
(b) Idli&Vada ldli(4nos) 200 gms Rs. 17.00
Urad Vada (4 nos) 120 gms
Chutney (packaged separately) 50 gms
(c) Upma&Vada Upma 100 gms
Urad Vada (4 nos) 120 gms
Chutney (packaged separately) 50 gms
(d) Pongal&Vada Pongal 200 gms
Urad Vada (4 nos) 120 gms
Chutney (packaged separately) 50 gms
Non/Vegetarian Omlette of two eggs 90 gms
(a) Bread, butter and omelette 2 bread slices with 10 gms butter in chiplet of total weight 70 gms Rs. 20.00
Tomato Ketchup sachet Salt/pepper 15 gms
2. Standard Casserole meals
Vegetarian 1. Rice Pulao or Jira Rice or plain Rice of fine quality 150 gms
2. Paratha (2 nos) or Chapati (4 nos) or Poories (5 nos) 100 gms
3. Dal or Sambhar (Thick consistency) 150 gms
4. Mixed Vegetable (seasonal) 100 gms Rs. 30.00
5. Curd -100 gms or sweet 40 gms
6. Pickle in sachet 15 gms
7. Packaged drinking water in sealed glass 300ml
Non-Vegetarian 1. Rice Pulao or Jira Rice or plain Rice of fine quality 150 gms
2. Paratha (2 nos) or Chapati (4 nos) or Poories (5 nos) 100 gms
3. Dal or Sambhar (Thick consistency) 150 gms
4. Two eggs curry 200 gms Rs. 35.00
5. Curd -100 gms or sweet 40 gms
6. Pickle in sachet 15 gms
7. Packaged drinking water in sealed glass 300ml
Details of Menu
SN Item Details of Menu Rates
1. Standard tea (150 ml)*** Cups used should be of 170 ml capacity Rs. 3.00
2. Tea with tea bag (150 ml)*** Cups used should be of 170 ml capacity Rs. 4.00
3. Coffee with instant coffee powder (150 ml)*** Cups used should be of 170 ml capacity Rs. 5.00
4. Tea in pot (285 ml) (285 ml) + 2 tea bags + 2 sugar pouch Rs. 5.00
+ 2 disposable paper cups of 1 70 ml capacity
5. Coffee in pot (285 ml) (285 ml) + 2 coffee sachets + 2 sugar pouch Rs. 7.00
+ 2 disposable paper cups of 1 70 ml capacity
6. Packaged Drinking Water - Rs. 12.00*
7. Janta Meal (in quality disposable card board boxes) Rs. 10.00
- Poories - 7 nos 175 gms
- Dry Potato curry 150 gms
- Pickle sachet 15 gms
*** Inclusive of service tax * Inclusive of all
Service Tax will be charged extra on the above rate as applicable time to time except item nos. 1,2,3 which is inclusive of Service Tax Bilingual menu
sticker is pasted in each coach wherein passenger may ascertain the menu and tariff for food served in trains In addition to the above standard food
and beverage items, different a-la-carte items with regional variations are also served, for which price and menu are fixed by Indian Railway Catering
& Tourism Corporation Ltd. (IRCTC) and different zonal railways. Passengers may insist on the service providers for issue of cash memos.
Passengers may lodge their complaints/suggestions to IRCTC at a national toll free number 1800-1 11-1 39.
290

7. 291

8. Advance Reservation
To help you plan your journey well in advance,
Indian Railways offer you the facility of
Advance Reservation. About 97% of the
advance reservation centres are computerised,
making it possible for you to book your ticket
from anywhere to anywhere. Given below are
the answers to your questions on advance
reservation, changes in travel plans, booking of
special trains/carriages, etc.
Can I book a ticket from Nagpur to Bangalore at Howrah? word “Confirmed”, will be printed alongside the class of travel.
Yes, you can. In fact, you can book your ticket for any train on the If your ticket is in RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) /
Indian Railways network, from any originating station to any Waitlisted status, the same will be mentioned on the ticket.
destination* at any of the 2926 Computerised Reservation Note: Passengers are requested to kindly note that while every
Centres, across the country. With the network of New Delhi, effort will be made to ensure a comfortable, hassle-free journey,
Mumbai, Kolkata, Secunderabad and Chennai Passenger Indian Railways are not liable to compensate a passenger due
Reservation Systems, you can now book your onward and to non-provision of reserved accommodation or for any losses
return journey tickets from any Computerised Reservation suffered due to late running of trains and other such unintended
Centre nearest to you - not just from major railway stations. eventualities which are not wilful or deliberately perpetrated.
This networking makes reservation of tickets faster and simpler. Can I board the train with an RAC?
Reserved tickets can also be obtained by accessing the website You can board the train with an RAC ticket. You will be provided
www.irctc.co.in. Payments can be made directly through the with sitting accommodation initially and allotted a berth (in case
website. Please follow the instructions posted on the website of passengers not turning up) in the train.
and on Page 301 How can I board a train in the reserved coach if I am not
*Reservations can be made subject to distance restrictions able to get a waitlisted ticket?
and availability of quotas Yes. If you don’t have any ticket, you may approach the Train
How many days in advance can I reserve my ticket? Superintendent/TTE after purchasing an unreserved ticket from
You can reserve your ticket 90 days in advance, excluding the the booking office as specified in the following table. The TTE
date of journey at the train originating station. At intermediate will allot the accommodation, subject to availability.
stations where the train arrives the following day, reservation Min. Class of Ticket
can be done 91 days in advance. In the case of some intercity required for boarding
day express trains, the advance reservation period is less. Category of Train Class of Travel the train at originating
and intermediate
How do I know the reservation Stations
status of my ticket? i) Rajdhani/Shatabdi IA, FC, 2A, 3A, 1st Class Ordinary
The reservation status will be ACC
clearly indicated in your ticket. If ii) Jan Shatabdi ACC, 1st Class Ordinary
your ticket is confirmed, your 25 2nd Mail/Express
coach and berth numbers will be
iii) Mail/Express FC, IA, 2A, 3A, 1st Class Ordinary
mentioned on your ticket in all CC, SL, 2S 2nd Mail/Express
classes other than First Class and
iv) Garib Rath Express 3A, CC 2nd Mail/Express
AC First Class. For these, the
293

9. However, in case you have a second class ticket and could not get second of the month, the Tatkal quota for that particular train
reservation in sleeper class and desire to travel in any upper class, shall open at 0800 hours on the first of the month.
you may approach the on-board ticket checking staff, who can b. The reservation under this scheme is available only upto the
upgrade your ticket accordingly subject to availability of accommodation time of preparation of charts. At the time of preparation of charts,
except in Rajdhani/Shatabdi Express trains. the vacant Tatkal accommodation is released to the RAC/waitlisted
passengers and no Tatkal charges are realised from such
How do I find out the current status of my unconfirmed
passengers.
ticket ?
c. The facility of change of name is not permitted on the bookings
You can contact the Reservation Enquiry Counters at your nearest made under Tatkal scheme.
Computerised Reservation Centre or call the Interactive Voice d. No duplicate Tatkal tickets is issued. Duplicate Tatkal tickets is
Response System, available at major stations. Remember to issued only in exceptional cases on payment of full fare including
always quote the 10 digit PNR Number indicated on the upper left Tatkal charges.
hand corner of your ticket, to find out the current status. e. The reservation under this scheme can be sought by full fare
The current status of your ticket can also be obtained from the paving passengers only and no passenger holding
Indian Railways Passenger Information Website: concessional ticket is allowed to avail reservation under this
www.indianrailways.gov.in. This site also provides real-time scheme.
information relating to availability of seats (and berths in a train even f. Tatkal tickets are issued only on production of one of the nine
between a pair of stations), timetable and train fares etc. For general prescribed proofs of identity as mentioned below and passenger
information on Indian Railways, passengers can access the Indian should carry the same proof of identity(in original) during the
Railways website : www.indianrailways. gov.in journey failing which all the passengers booked on that ticket
Indian Railways provide telephonic enquiry services through a universal are considered as travelling without ticket and charged
number “139” which is accessible from any where in the country accordingly:-
without dialing any STD code. This number can be accessed from any i. Voter Photo Identity Card issued by Election Commission of
type of phone (mobile, landline, WLL etc). Information with regard to India.
arrival/departure/running position of trains, accommodation availability, ii. Passport
current status of ticket, fare enquiry etc. are disseminated through this iii. P AN Card issued by Income Tax Department
number. After getting connected to “139”, the information with regard iv. Driving Licence issued by RTO
to arrival/departure of a train at a particular station can be obtained by v. Photo Identity Card issued by Central/State Government
dialing the train no. and STD code of that station. vi. Student Identity Card with photograph issued by recognized
School/College for their Students
Facility of Enquiry by sending SMS on 139 vii. Nationalised Bank Passbook with photograph and
The current status of the ticket, status of arrival/departure of train, viii. Credit Cards issued by Banks with laminated photograph.
availability of train accommodation, fare enquiry, etc. can also be obtained ix. Unique identification Card “Aadhaar “.
by sending SMS to 139. For details kindly visit website www.irctc.co.in g. The procedure for booking Tatkal ticket is as under:-
Am I required to carry proof of Identity during journey in AC (i) For booking Tatkal ticket, a self attested photo copy of
Classes ? anyone of the proofs of identity mentioned above, of
anyone passenger, is to be attached to the requisition slip.
Anyone of the passengers/the passenger booked on the tickets issued
(ii) The details of the identity proof is captured by the system
from computerised Passenger Reservation System (PRS) and internet
and indicated on the reserved tickets as well on the
(i-ticket), undertaking journey in AC-3 tier, AC-2 tier, 1st AC, AC Chair
reservation chart.
Car and Executive classes, have to carry anyone of the nine prescribed
(iii) It is not mandatory for the passenger(s) to go to the counter
proofs of identity (in original) during the journey and produce the same
to book the Tatkal ticket, however, the proof is to be sent in
as and when required failing which all the passengers booked on that
the aforementioned manner.
ticket will be treated as without ticket and charged accordingly.
(iv) Even for internet booking for Tatkal tickets, the passenger
The list of valid proofs of identity are as under: shall enter the identity proof type and number, which is to
Voter Photo identity card issued by Election Commission of India. be used for travel. These details shall be printed on the
Passport. ERS/indicated on the MRM/VRM as well as in the reservation
PAN Card issued by Income Tax Department. chart.
Driving Licence issued by RTO. (v) During the journey, the passenger, whose identity card
Photo identity card having serial number issued by Central/State number has been indicated on the ticket, has to produce
Government. original proof of identity indicated on the ticket, failing which
Student Identity Card with photograph issued by recognized School/ all the passengers booked on the ticket are treated as
College for their students. travelling without ticket and charged accordingly. Indication
Nationalised Bank Passbook with photograph. comes on the ticket regarding carrying the same original
Credit Cards issued by Banks with laminated photograph and proof of identity during the journey, as indicated on the
Unique Identification Card “Aadhaar”. ticket.
NOTE : This provision is applicable to General tickets and not (vi) If the passenger whose identity card number is indicated
Tatkal, which are governed by separate instructions. on the ticket is not travelling, all other passengers booked
Tatkal Scheme on that ticket, if found travelling in train, will be treated as
travelling without ticket and charged accordingly.
The salient features of existing Tatkal scheme are as under:-
h. No refund is granted on the confirmed Tatkal tickets. However,
a. Tatkal booking opens at 8 AM on the previous day of journey full refund of fare and Tatkal charges is granted on the tickets
excluding date of journey from the train originating station. For booked under Tatkal scheme under certain circumstances
example, if train is to depart from the originating station on the explained below:-
294

10. Advance Reservation
To help you plan your journey well in advance,
Indian Railways offer you the facility of
Advance Reservation. About 97% of the
advance reservation centres are computerised,
making it possible for you to book your ticket
from anywhere to anywhere. Given below are
the answers to your questions on advance
reservation, changes in travel plans, booking of
special trains/carriages, etc.
Can I book a ticket from Nagpur to Bangalore at Howrah? word “Confirmed”, will be printed alongside the class of travel.
Yes, you can. In fact, you can book your ticket for any train on the If your ticket is in RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) /
Indian Railways network, from any originating station to any Waitlisted status, the same will be mentioned on the ticket.
destination* at any of the 2926 Computerised Reservation Note: Passengers are requested to kindly note that while every
Centres, across the country. With the network of New Delhi, effort will be made to ensure a comfortable, hassle-free journey,
Mumbai, Kolkata, Secunderabad and Chennai Passenger Indian Railways are not liable to compensate a passenger due
Reservation Systems, you can now book your onward and to non-provision of reserved accommodation or for any losses
return journey tickets from any Computerised Reservation suffered due to late running of trains and other such unintended
Centre nearest to you - not just from major railway stations. eventualities which are not wilful or deliberately perpetrated.
This networking makes reservation of tickets faster and simpler. Can I board the train with an RAC?
Reserved tickets can also be obtained by accessing the website You can board the train with an RAC ticket. You will be provided
www.irctc.co.in. Payments can be made directly through the with sitting accommodation initially and allotted a berth (in case
website. Please follow the instructions posted on the website of passengers not turning up) in the train.
and on Page 301 How can I board a train in the reserved coach if I am not
*Reservations can be made subject to distance restrictions able to get a waitlisted ticket?
and availability of quotas Yes. If you don’t have any ticket, you may approach the Train
How many days in advance can I reserve my ticket? Superintendent/TTE after purchasing an unreserved ticket from
You can reserve your ticket 90 days in advance, excluding the the booking office as specified in the following table. The TTE
date of journey at the train originating station. At intermediate will allot the accommodation, subject to availability.
stations where the train arrives the following day, reservation Min. Class of Ticket
can be done 91 days in advance. In the case of some intercity required for boarding
day express trains, the advance reservation period is less. Category of Train Class of Travel the train at originating
and intermediate
How do I know the reservation Stations
status of my ticket? i) Rajdhani/Shatabdi IA, FC, 2A, 3A, 1st Class Ordinary
The reservation status will be ACC
clearly indicated in your ticket. If ii) Jan Shatabdi ACC, 1st Class Ordinary
your ticket is confirmed, your 25 2nd Mail/Express
coach and berth numbers will be
iii) Mail/Express FC, IA, 2A, 3A, 1st Class Ordinary
mentioned on your ticket in all CC, SL, 2S 2nd Mail/Express
classes other than First Class and
iv) Garib Rath Express 3A, CC 2nd Mail/Express
AC First Class. For these, the
293

11. However, in case you have a second class ticket and could not get second of the month, the Tatkal quota for that particular train
reservation in sleeper class and desire to travel in any upper class, shall open at 0800 hours on the first of the month.
you may approach the on-board ticket checking staff, who can b. The reservation under this scheme is available only upto the
upgrade your ticket accordingly subject to availability of accommodation time of preparation of charts. At the time of preparation of charts,
except in Rajdhani/Shatabdi Express trains. the vacant Tatkal accommodation is released to the RAC/waitlisted
passengers and no Tatkal charges are realised from such
How do I find out the current status of my unconfirmed
passengers.
ticket ?
c. The facility of change of name is not permitted on the bookings
You can contact the Reservation Enquiry Counters at your nearest made under Tatkal scheme.
Computerised Reservation Centre or call the Interactive Voice d. No duplicate Tatkal tickets is issued. Duplicate Tatkal tickets is
Response System, available at major stations. Remember to issued only in exceptional cases on payment of full fare including
always quote the 10 digit PNR Number indicated on the upper left Tatkal charges.
hand corner of your ticket, to find out the current status. e. The reservation under this scheme can be sought by full fare
The current status of your ticket can also be obtained from the paving passengers only and no passenger holding
Indian Railways Passenger Information Website: concessional ticket is allowed to avail reservation under this
www.indianrailways.gov.in. This site also provides real-time scheme.
information relating to availability of seats (and berths in a train even f. Tatkal tickets are issued only on production of one of the nine
between a pair of stations), timetable and train fares etc. For general prescribed proofs of identity as mentioned below and passenger
information on Indian Railways, passengers can access the Indian should carry the same proof of identity(in original) during the
Railways website : www.indianrailways. gov.in journey failing which all the passengers booked on that ticket
Indian Railways provide telephonic enquiry services through a universal are considered as travelling without ticket and charged
number “139” which is accessible from any where in the country accordingly:-
without dialing any STD code. This number can be accessed from any i. Voter Photo Identity Card issued by Election Commission of
type of phone (mobile, landline, WLL etc). Information with regard to India.
arrival/departure/running position of trains, accommodation availability, ii. Passport
current status of ticket, fare enquiry etc. are disseminated through this iii. P AN Card issued by Income Tax Department
number. After getting connected to “139”, the information with regard iv. Driving Licence issued by RTO
to arrival/departure of a train at a particular station can be obtained by v. Photo Identity Card issued by Central/State Government
dialing the train no. and STD code of that station. vi. Student Identity Card with photograph issued by recognized
School/College for their Students
Facility of Enquiry by sending SMS on 139 vii. Nationalised Bank Passbook with photograph and
The current status of the ticket, status of arrival/departure of train, viii. Credit Cards issued by Banks with laminated photograph.
availability of train accommodation, fare enquiry, etc. can also be obtained ix. Unique identification Card “Aadhaar “.
by sending SMS to 139. For details kindly visit website www.irctc.co.in g. The procedure for booking Tatkal ticket is as under:-
Am I required to carry proof of Identity during journey in AC (i) For booking Tatkal ticket, a self attested photo copy of
Classes ? anyone of the proofs of identity mentioned above, of
anyone passenger, is to be attached to the requisition slip.
Anyone of the passengers/the passenger booked on the tickets issued
(ii) The details of the identity proof is captured by the system
from computerised Passenger Reservation System (PRS) and internet
and indicated on the reserved tickets as well on the
(i-ticket), undertaking journey in AC-3 tier, AC-2 tier, 1st AC, AC Chair
reservation chart.
Car and Executive classes, have to carry anyone of the nine prescribed
(iii) It is not mandatory for the passenger(s) to go to the counter
proofs of identity (in original) during the journey and produce the same
to book the Tatkal ticket, however, the proof is to be sent in
as and when required failing which all the passengers booked on that
the aforementioned manner.
ticket will be treated as without ticket and charged accordingly.
(iv) Even for internet booking for Tatkal tickets, the passenger
The list of valid proofs of identity are as under: shall enter the identity proof type and number, which is to
Voter Photo identity card issued by Election Commission of India. be used for travel. These details shall be printed on the
Passport. ERS/indicated on the MRM/VRM as well as in the reservation
PAN Card issued by Income Tax Department. chart.
Driving Licence issued by RTO. (v) During the journey, the passenger, whose identity card
Photo identity card having serial number issued by Central/State number has been indicated on the ticket, has to produce
Government. original proof of identity indicated on the ticket, failing which
Student Identity Card with photograph issued by recognized School/ all the passengers booked on the ticket are treated as
College for their students. travelling without ticket and charged accordingly. Indication
Nationalised Bank Passbook with photograph. comes on the ticket regarding carrying the same original
Credit Cards issued by Banks with laminated photograph and proof of identity during the journey, as indicated on the
Unique Identification Card “Aadhaar”. ticket.
NOTE : This provision is applicable to General tickets and not (vi) If the passenger whose identity card number is indicated
Tatkal, which are governed by separate instructions. on the ticket is not travelling, all other passengers booked
Tatkal Scheme on that ticket, if found travelling in train, will be treated as
travelling without ticket and charged accordingly.
The salient features of existing Tatkal scheme are as under:-
h. No refund is granted on the confirmed Tatkal tickets. However,
a. Tatkal booking opens at 8 AM on the previous day of journey full refund of fare and Tatkal charges is granted on the tickets
excluding date of journey from the train originating station. For booked under Tatkal scheme under certain circumstances
example, if train is to depart from the originating station on the explained below:-
294

12. However, in case you have a second class ticket and could not get second of the month, the Tatkal quota for that particular train
reservation in sleeper class and desire to travel in any upper class, shall open at 0800 hours on the first of the month.
you may approach the on-board ticket checking staff, who can b. The reservation under this scheme is available only upto the
upgrade your ticket accordingly subject to availability of accommodation time of preparation of charts. At the time of preparation of charts,
except in Rajdhani/Shatabdi Express trains. the vacant Tatkal accommodation is released to the RAC/waitlisted
passengers and no Tatkal charges are realised from such
How do I find out the current status of my unconfirmed
passengers.
ticket ?
c. The facility of change of name is not permitted on the bookings
You can contact the Reservation Enquiry Counters at your nearest made under Tatkal scheme.
Computerised Reservation Centre or call the Interactive Voice d. No duplicate Tatkal tickets is issued. Duplicate Tatkal tickets is
Response System, available at major stations. Remember to issued only in exceptional cases on payment of full fare including
always quote the 10 digit PNR Number indicated on the upper left Tatkal charges.
hand corner of your ticket, to find out the current status. e. The reservation under this scheme can be sought by full fare
The current status of your ticket can also be obtained from the paving passengers only and no passenger holding
Indian Railways Passenger Information Website: concessional ticket is allowed to avail reservation under this
www.indianrailways.gov.in. This site also provides real-time scheme.
information relating to availability of seats (and berths in a train even f. Tatkal tickets are issued only on production of one of the nine
between a pair of stations), timetable and train fares etc. For general prescribed proofs of identity as mentioned below and passenger
information on Indian Railways, passengers can access the Indian should carry the same proof of identity(in original) during the
Railways website : www.indianrailways. gov.in journey failing which all the passengers booked on that ticket
Indian Railways provide telephonic enquiry services through a universal are considered as travelling without ticket and charged
number “139” which is accessible from any where in the country accordingly:-
without dialing any STD code. This number can be accessed from any i. Voter Photo Identity Card issued by Election Commission of
type of phone (mobile, landline, WLL etc). Information with regard to India.
arrival/departure/running position of trains, accommodation availability, ii. Passport
current status of ticket, fare enquiry etc. are disseminated through this iii. P AN Card issued by Income Tax Department
number. After getting connected to “139”, the information with regard iv. Driving Licence issued by RTO
to arrival/departure of a train at a particular station can be obtained by v. Photo Identity Card issued by Central/State Government
dialing the train no. and STD code of that station. vi. Student Identity Card with photograph issued by recognized
School/College for their Students
Facility of Enquiry by sending SMS on 139 vii. Nationalised Bank Passbook with photograph and
The current status of the ticket, status of arrival/departure of train, viii. Credit Cards issued by Banks with laminated photograph.
availability of train accommodation, fare enquiry, etc. can also be obtained ix. Unique identification Card “Aadhaar “.
by sending SMS to 139. For details kindly visit website www.irctc.co.in g. The procedure for booking Tatkal ticket is as under:-
Am I required to carry proof of Identity during journey in AC (i) For booking Tatkal ticket, a self attested photo copy of
Classes ? anyone of the proofs of identity mentioned above, of
anyone passenger, is to be attached to the requisition slip.
Anyone of the passengers/the passenger booked on the tickets issued
(ii) The details of the identity proof is captured by the system
from computerised Passenger Reservation System (PRS) and internet
and indicated on the reserved tickets as well on the
(i-ticket), undertaking journey in AC-3 tier, AC-2 tier, 1st AC, AC Chair
reservation chart.
Car and Executive classes, have to carry anyone of the nine prescribed
(iii) It is not mandatory for the passenger(s) to go to the counter
proofs of identity (in original) during the journey and produce the same
to book the Tatkal ticket, however, the proof is to be sent in
as and when required failing which all the passengers booked on that
the aforementioned manner.
ticket will be treated as without ticket and charged accordingly.
(iv) Even for internet booking for Tatkal tickets, the passenger
The list of valid proofs of identity are as under: shall enter the identity proof type and number, which is to
Voter Photo identity card issued by Election Commission of India. be used for travel. These details shall be printed on the
Passport. ERS/indicated on the MRM/VRM as well as in the reservation
PAN Card issued by Income Tax Department. chart.
Driving Licence issued by RTO. (v) During the journey, the passenger, whose identity card
Photo identity card having serial number issued by Central/State number has been indicated on the ticket, has to produce
Government. original proof of identity indicated on the ticket, failing which
Student Identity Card with photograph issued by recognized School/ all the passengers booked on the ticket are treated as
College for their students. travelling without ticket and charged accordingly. Indication
Nationalised Bank Passbook with photograph. comes on the ticket regarding carrying the same original
Credit Cards issued by Banks with laminated photograph and proof of identity during the journey, as indicated on the
Unique Identification Card “Aadhaar”. ticket.
NOTE : This provision is applicable to General tickets and not (vi) If the passenger whose identity card number is indicated
Tatkal, which are governed by separate instructions. on the ticket is not travelling, all other passengers booked
Tatkal Scheme on that ticket, if found travelling in train, will be treated as
travelling without ticket and charged accordingly.
The salient features of existing Tatkal scheme are as under:-
h. No refund is granted on the confirmed Tatkal tickets. However,
a. Tatkal booking opens at 8 AM on the previous day of journey full refund of fare and Tatkal charges is granted on the tickets
excluding date of journey from the train originating station. For booked under Tatkal scheme under certain circumstances
example, if train is to depart from the originating station on the explained below:-
294

13. i. If the train is delayed by more than 3 hours at the journey
originating point of the passenger & not the boarding point
if the passenger’s journey originating point and boarding
point are different.
ii. If the train is to run on a diverted route and passenger is
not willing to travel.
iii. 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.
iv. 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.
v. 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.
i. 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 Maximum Tatkal
Charges (in ) Charges (in )
Reserved Second 10 15
Sitting (2S)
Sleeper 75 150
AC Chair Car 75 150
AC-3 tier 200 300
AC-2 tier 200 300
Executive 200 300
j. Tatkal tickets are issued for actual distance of travel, subject to
the distance restriction applicable to the train.
k. Agents / RTSAs have been restricted from the booking Tatkal
tickets at the counters between 0800 hours and 1000 hours.
The agents both web service agents and web agents have also
been restricted from booking Tatkal tickets on the internet between
0800 hours and 1000 hours.
l. It is possible to book a maximum of only four passengers per
PNR for Tatkal tickets.
The Up-gradation Scheme
• With a view to optimise the utilisation of available
accommodation in train, a scheme to upgrade full-fare
paying passengers to the higher class without any extra
charge against the available vacant accommodation is
available in all Mail/Express trains having sleeping
accommodation.
• The passengers are required to give the option for being
considered for upgradation. If no option is given at the time
of filling up of requisition form, the same is treated as “yes”
and passenger(s) can be considered for upgradation.
• The passengers for upgradation are selected automatically
(except in cases where the passenger has shown his
unwillingness to be upgraded) on random basis by the
System at the time of preparation of reservation charts.
• All the passengers on a ticket are upgraded together.
• It is not done for block booking transactions.
• If a passenger, who has been upgraded, cancels his ticket,
cancellation charges of the original class only are payable.
It is advisable to avail the facility (by exercising the option
in the affirmative) and always to check the status (coach/
berth numbers) before boarding the train.
295

14. However, in case you have a second class ticket and could not get second of the month, the Tatkal quota for that particular train
reservation in sleeper class and desire to travel in any upper class, shall open at 0800 hours on the first of the month.
you may approach the on-board ticket checking staff, who can b. The reservation under this scheme is available only upto the
upgrade your ticket accordingly subject to availability of accommodation time of preparation of charts. At the time of preparation of charts,
except in Rajdhani/Shatabdi Express trains. the vacant Tatkal accommodation is released to the RAC/waitlisted
passengers and no Tatkal charges are realised from such
How do I find out the current status of my unconfirmed
passengers.
ticket ?
c. The facility of change of name is not permitted on the bookings
You can contact the Reservation Enquiry Counters at your nearest made under Tatkal scheme.
Computerised Reservation Centre or call the Interactive Voice d. No duplicate Tatkal tickets is issued. Duplicate Tatkal tickets is
Response System, available at major stations. Remember to issued only in exceptional cases on payment of full fare including
always quote the 10 digit PNR Number indicated on the upper left Tatkal charges.
hand corner of your ticket, to find out the current status. e. The reservation under this scheme can be sought by full fare
The current status of your ticket can also be obtained from the paving passengers only and no passenger holding
Indian Railways Passenger Information Website: concessional ticket is allowed to avail reservation under this
www.indianrailways.gov.in. This site also provides real-time scheme.
information relating to availability of seats (and berths in a train even f. Tatkal tickets are issued only on production of one of the nine
between a pair of stations), timetable and train fares etc. For general prescribed proofs of identity as mentioned below and passenger
information on Indian Railways, passengers can access the Indian should carry the same proof of identity(in original) during the
Railways website : www.indianrailways. gov.in journey failing which all the passengers booked on that ticket
Indian Railways provide telephonic enquiry services through a universal are considered as travelling without ticket and charged
number “139” which is accessible from any where in the country accordingly:-
without dialing any STD code. This number can be accessed from any i. Voter Photo Identity Card issued by Election Commission of
type of phone (mobile, landline, WLL etc). Information with regard to India.
arrival/departure/running position of trains, accommodation availability, ii. Passport
current status of ticket, fare enquiry etc. are disseminated through this iii. P AN Card issued by Income Tax Department
number. After getting connected to “139”, the information with regard iv. Driving Licence issued by RTO
to arrival/departure of a train at a particular station can be obtained by v. Photo Identity Card issued by Central/State Government
dialing the train no. and STD code of that station. vi. Student Identity Card with photograph issued by recognized
School/College for their Students
Facility of Enquiry by sending SMS on 139 vii. Nationalised Bank Passbook with photograph and
The current status of the ticket, status of arrival/departure of train, viii. Credit Cards issued by Banks with laminated photograph.
availability of train accommodation, fare enquiry, etc. can also be obtained ix. Unique identification Card “Aadhaar “.
by sending SMS to 139. For details kindly visit website www.irctc.co.in g. The procedure for booking Tatkal ticket is as under:-
Am I required to carry proof of Identity during journey in AC (i) For booking Tatkal ticket, a self attested photo copy of
Classes ? anyone of the proofs of identity mentioned above, of
anyone passenger, is to be attached to the requisition slip.
Anyone of the passengers/the passenger booked on the tickets issued
(ii) The details of the identity proof is captured by the system
from computerised Passenger Reservation System (PRS) and internet
and indicated on the reserved tickets as well on the
(i-ticket), undertaking journey in AC-3 tier, AC-2 tier, 1st AC, AC Chair
reservation chart.
Car and Executive classes, have to carry anyone of the nine prescribed
(iii) It is not mandatory for the passenger(s) to go to the counter
proofs of identity (in original) during the journey and produce the same
to book the Tatkal ticket, however, the proof is to be sent in
as and when required failing which all the passengers booked on that
the aforementioned manner.
ticket will be treated as without ticket and charged accordingly.
(iv) Even for internet booking for Tatkal tickets, the passenger
The list of valid proofs of identity are as under: shall enter the identity proof type and number, which is to
Voter Photo identity card issued by Election Commission of India. be used for travel. These details shall be printed on the
Passport. ERS/indicated on the MRM/VRM as well as in the reservation
PAN Card issued by Income Tax Department. chart.
Driving Licence issued by RTO. (v) During the journey, the passenger, whose identity card
Photo identity card having serial number issued by Central/State number has been indicated on the ticket, has to produce
Government. original proof of identity indicated on the ticket, failing which
Student Identity Card with photograph issued by recognized School/ all the passengers booked on the ticket are treated as
College for their students. travelling without ticket and charged accordingly. Indication
Nationalised Bank Passbook with photograph. comes on the ticket regarding carrying the same original
Credit Cards issued by Banks with laminated photograph and proof of identity during the journey, as indicated on the
Unique Identification Card “Aadhaar”. ticket.
NOTE : This provision is applicable to General tickets and not (vi) If the passenger whose identity card number is indicated
Tatkal, which are governed by separate instructions. on the ticket is not travelling, all other passengers booked
Tatkal Scheme on that ticket, if found travelling in train, will be treated as
travelling without ticket and charged accordingly.
The salient features of existing Tatkal scheme are as under:-
h. No refund is granted on the confirmed Tatkal tickets. However,
a. Tatkal booking opens at 8 AM on the previous day of journey full refund of fare and Tatkal charges is granted on the tickets
excluding date of journey from the train originating station. For booked under Tatkal scheme under certain circumstances
example, if train is to depart from the originating station on the explained below:-
294

15. i. If the train is delayed by more than 3 hours at the journey
originating point of the passenger & not the boarding point
if the passenger’s journey originating point and boarding
point are different.
ii. If the train is to run on a diverted route and passenger is
not willing to travel.
iii. 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.
iv. 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.
v. 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.
i. 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 Maximum Tatkal
Charges (in ) Charges (in )
Reserved Second 10 15
Sitting (2S)
Sleeper 75 150
AC Chair Car 75 150
AC-3 tier 200 300
AC-2 tier 200 300
Executive 200 300
j. Tatkal tickets are issued for actual distance of travel, subject to
the distance restriction applicable to the train.
k. Agents / RTSAs have been restricted from the booking Tatkal
tickets at the counters between 0800 hours and 1000 hours.
The agents both web service agents and web agents have also
been restricted from booking Tatkal tickets on the internet between
0800 hours and 1000 hours.
l. It is possible to book a maximum of only four passengers per
PNR for Tatkal tickets.
The Up-gradation Scheme
• With a view to optimise the utilisation of available
accommodation in train, a scheme to upgrade full-fare
paying passengers to the higher class without any extra
charge against the available vacant accommodation is
available in all Mail/Express trains having sleeping
accommodation.
• The passengers are required to give the option for being
considered for upgradation. If no option is given at the time
of filling up of requisition form, the same is treated as “yes”
and passenger(s) can be considered for upgradation.
• The passengers for upgradation are selected automatically
(except in cases where the passenger has shown his
unwillingness to be upgraded) on random basis by the
System at the time of preparation of reservation charts.
• All the passengers on a ticket are upgraded together.
• It is not done for block booking transactions.
• If a passenger, who has been upgraded, cancels his ticket,
cancellation charges of the original class only are payable.
It is advisable to avail the facility (by exercising the option
in the affirmative) and always to check the status (coach/
berth numbers) before boarding the train.
295

16. i. If the train is delayed by more than 3 hours at the journey
originating point of the passenger & not the boarding point
if the passenger’s journey originating point and boarding
point are different.
ii. If the train is to run on a diverted route and passenger is
not willing to travel.
iii. 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.
iv. 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.
v. 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.
i. 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 Maximum Tatkal
Charges (in ) Charges (in )
Reserved Second 10 15
Sitting (2S)
Sleeper 75 150
AC Chair Car 75 150
AC-3 tier 200 300
AC-2 tier 200 300
Executive 200 300
j. Tatkal tickets are issued for actual distance of travel, subject to
the distance restriction applicable to the train.
k. Agents / RTSAs have been restricted from the booking Tatkal
tickets at the counters between 0800 hours and 1000 hours.
The agents both web service agents and web agents have also
been restricted from booking Tatkal tickets on the internet between
0800 hours and 1000 hours.
l. It is possible to book a maximum of only four passengers per
PNR for Tatkal tickets.
The Up-gradation Scheme
• With a view to optimise the utilisation of available
accommodation in train, a scheme to upgrade full-fare
paying passengers to the higher class without any extra
charge against the available vacant accommodation is
available in all Mail/Express trains having sleeping
accommodation.
• The passengers are required to give the option for being
considered for upgradation. If no option is given at the time
of filling up of requisition form, the same is treated as “yes”
and passenger(s) can be considered for upgradation.
• The passengers for upgradation are selected automatically
(except in cases where the passenger has shown his
unwillingness to be upgraded) on random basis by the
System at the time of preparation of reservation charts.
• All the passengers on a ticket are upgraded together.
• It is not done for block booking transactions.
• If a passenger, who has been upgraded, cancels his ticket,
cancellation charges of the original class only are payable.
It is advisable to avail the facility (by exercising the option
in the affirmative) and always to check the status (coach/
berth numbers) before boarding the train.
295

17. Can I book my tickets on a Credit Card? Indrail Pass : This travel-as-you-please ticket has been created
especially for foreign tourists and Indian nationals residing abroad.
Yes. For your convenience, Indian Railways have exclusive counters This ticket is available for a specified time period from I/2 day to 90
where you can reserve your tickets through credit cards. This facility days. Indrail Passes should be used within one year of issue.
is presently available only at important Computerised Reservation Validity period starts from the date of the first train journey and
ends on the midnight of the last journey.
Centres. An additional service charge of Rs. 30/- is levied when you
reserve your tickets on a credit card. During the period of validity, foreign tourists can travel from
anywhere to anywhere on the Indian Railways network without
Can I book my tickets through Mobile Phone? route or train restrictions and without payment of any additional
Yes. You can book reserved tickets through mobile phones. The charges.
procedure for booking is similar to that of booking tickets through What is the cost of the Indrail Pass?
Internet. For details, please visit www.irctc.co.in
The cost of the Indrail Pass varies with the class of travel and the
Can I book my tickets through Travel Agents?
validity period. For your convenience, the details are given as
Yes, you can approach authorised Rail Travellers’ Service Agents follows:
and Railway Tourist Agents, who will book your tickets on Period of Validity & Fare Structure (Fares in U.S. Dollars)
payment of prescribed charges. No separate reservation quotas
have been assigned to these agents and their staff have to take First Class/
Period Sleeper Class
AC-2 Tier/
their turn in the queue at the Reservation Office for purchasing of A.C. First Class Second Class
AC-3 Tier/
tickets like any other passenger. Validity (Non-AC)
AC Chair Car
Addresses and phone numbers of these Travel Agents can be Adult Child Adult Child Adult Child
1
/2 day * 57 29 26 13 11 6
obtained from the Station Managers. Please do not buy tickets
from unauthorised Travel Agents. 1 day* 95 47 43 22 19 10
2 days * 160 80 70 35 30 15
Are there any special facilities provided by Indian Railways
for foreign tourists? 4 days * 220 110 110 55 50 25
7 days 270 135 135 68 80 40
Yes. Foreign tourists who wish to experience India by train,
15 days 370 185 185 95 90 45
can enjoy the special facilities earmarked for them. These are
21 days 396 198 198 99 100 50
explained below in greater detail:
30 days 495 248 248 126 125 65
Special Quota: Several important trains have a special quota for
60 days 800 400 400 200 185 95
foreign tourists. This can be availed on payment of US Dollars
90 days 1060 530 530 265 235 120
or Pound Sterling. Tourists without foreign currency, will be allotted
the special quota on production of the exchange certificates issued * For sale only by General Sales Agents. Please note: Fares are subject to revision.
by any nationalised bank. At the time of reservation, the passport Indrail Passes are also sold through General Sales Agents in
number and the country of origin should be mentioned. Bahrain, Bangladesh, Finland, Germany, Kuwait, Malaysia,
Nepal, Oman, South Africa, Srilanka, Thailand, the DAE and
Assistance Cells: Major Reservation Centres have special Cells
to help foreign tourists plan their itinerary, reserve their tickets and the UK.
render any assistance required.
Where are Indrail Passes available?
The International Tourist Bureau situated on the first floor of
In India, Indrail Passes are available for sale in Railway
New Delhi Railway Station provides personalised service and
Reservation Offices at: Ahmedabad, Aurangabad, Bangalore,
assistance to foreign tourists and NRIs regarding reservations,
Howrah, Chennai, Gorakhpur, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Mumbai, New
itinerary planning and other enquiries. This Bureau is manned
Delhi, Pune, Secunderabad, Thiruvananthapuram Central,
by trained staff and tourist guides, fluent in foreign languages.
Vadodara, Varanasi and Vasco-da-Gama. Certain recognised
For any assistance, please contact: The Manager, International
Travel Agents are also authorised to sell these Passes in Delhi,
Tourist Bureau, I Floor, New Delhi Railway Station, New Delhi-110
Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai.
001. Tel : 011-23405156, 23346804. Fax : 011-23343050.
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