If you are planning a last minute trip and need to book train tickets urgently, Tatkal ticket booking is your go-to solution. Introduced by Indian Railways, the Tatkal scheme allows passengers to book train tickets at short notice, saving you from the stress of missing your journey.
Whether you’re traveling in an air-conditioned (AC) or non-AC coach, understanding the timing and charges for Tatkal tickets is crucial to securing a seat, as these tickets sell out fast. In this blog, we will explain how Tatkal ticket booking works, the timing for different classes, and the charges for both AC and non-AC train travel. We will also share some handy tips to help you successfully book your Tatkal tickets and how to order food online in trains using RailRecipe.
What is Tatkal Ticket Booking ?
Tatkal is a scheme introduced by Indian Railways to help passengers who need to travel at the last minute. This tatkal ticket booking system opens one day before the departure date of the train, providing a limited number of seats under the Tatkal quota. While it’s convenient for emergency travel, the competition is high, and tickets are booked very quickly, so it’s important to know when and how to book your ticket.
Tatkal Ticket Booking Timings
Tatkal ticket booking timings differ based on the class of travel. Here’s a breakdown:
- For AC Classes (1A, 2A, 3A, CC): If you’re traveling in an air-conditioned coach, such as 1st AC, 2nd AC, 3rd AC, or Chair Car, Tatkal booking opens at 10:00 AM, one day before the train’s departure.
- For Non-AC Classes (Sleeper, General): If you’re traveling in a non-AC class, such as Sleeper or General class, Tatkal Ticket booking starts at 11:00 AM, one day before the scheduled departure of the train.
To increase your chances of getting a Tatkal ticket booking , it’s essential to log in and start the booking process as soon as the window opens, as tickets are in high demand and disappear fast.
How to Book Tatkal Tickets?
Booking Tatkal tickets is simple, and there are two ways to do it – online and offline.
- Online Booking:
- Visit the official IRCTC website or use the mobile app.
- Log in with your credentials. If you don’t have an account, create one beforehand.
- Enter your travel details such as the source, destination, and date of travel.
- Select the class (AC or non-AC) and look for the Tatkal quota option.
- The booking window opens at 10 AMfor AC and 11 AM for non-AC classes. Choose your preferred train and seat availability.
- Enter the passenger details and make the payment using a preferred method like UPI, net banking, or credit/debit card.
- Once the payment is successful, you will receive an e-ticket with the confirmation details.
- Offline Booking:
- Visit the nearest railway station’s reservation counter.
- Fill out the reservation form, specifying that you want to book under the Tatkal quota.
- Pay the required fare and receive your Tatkal ticket.
Tatkal Ticket Booking Charges
Tatkal tickets come with additional charges, which vary based on the class of travel and the distance you plan to cover. These charges are non-refundable, so if you cancel your confirmed Tatkal ticket, the extra charge will not be refunded. Below is a summary of the charges for different classes:
- For AC Classes (1A, 2A, 3A, CC): The Tatkal charges for AC classes range from ₹400 to ₹500, depending on the distance. These charges are added to the base fare.
- For Non-AC Classes (Sleeper, General): Tatkal charges for non-AC classes range from ₹100 to ₹200, again depending on the distance of travel. These charges are added to the base fare as well.
It’s important to note that there are no concessions available under the Tatkal scheme, and all passengers, regardless of age or category, will be charged the same fare.
Refund and Cancellation Policy
One important aspect of Tatkal ticket booking is the refund and cancellation policy. If you cancel a confirmed Tatkal ticket, no refund is given on the Tatkal charges. However, if the train is canceled by Indian Railways or your ticket is not confirmed (i.e., if you are waitlisted and don’t get a seat after chart preparation), you will receive a full refund, including the Tatkal charges.
Tips for Booking Tatkal Tickets Successfully
Here are a few tips to increase your chances of booking a Tatkal ticket:
- Login Early: Make sure you are logged in to the IRCTC website or app before the booking time (10 AM for AC and 11 AM for non-AC).
- Choose Fast Payment Methods: Use fast and reliable payment methods like UPI or net banking to complete the transaction quickly.
- Keep Passenger Information Ready: Have the passenger details (name, age, ID proof) ready beforehand to save time while filling out the form.
- Good Internet Connection: Ensure you have a stable and fast internet connection to avoid delays during booking.
- Consider Backup Trains: Have a list of alternative trains in case your first choice is unavailable.
How to Order Food Online in Train via RailRecipe
While traveling on a Tatkal ticket, you might also need to arrange food in train for your journey. Thanks to RailRecipe, you can easily order delicious meals from the comfort of your seat. To place an order, simply download the RailRecipe app or visit their website. Enter your PNR number, choose from a variety of cuisines, and place your order and also place your order offline by dialing our toll-free number 8448440386. RailRecipe delivers fresh and hygienic meals right to your train seat, ensuring a hassle-free dining experience during your journey.