Indian Railways alert! Rules modified - Current booking, Tatkal quota, advance reservation period and other details

In a major development, Indian Railways has modified the instructions for 30 Special Rajdhani type trains and 200 Special Mail Exp trains (total 230 trains) running with effect from 12.05.2020 and 01.06.2020 respectively. Moreover, Ministry of Railways has decided to increase the advance reservation period (ARP) of all Specials notified from 30 days to 120 days. Also, the ministry notified that booking of parcel and luggage shall be permitted in all these 230 trains.

It is important to note here that the above changes have been implemented with effect from 08:00 hrs of train booking date of 31st May 2020 onwards.

However, other terms e.g., Current booking, Tatkal quota allocation of seats to road side stations etc to be same as in regular time tabled trains.

Moreover, Indian Railways has issued a note - "Appeal from Ministry of Railways to passengers"

​In order to protect the vulnerable persons from COVID-19, in line with Ministry of Home Affairs, Order No 40-3/2020-DM-I(A) dated 17.05.2020, Ministry of Railways makes an appeal that persons with co-morbidities (for example - hypertension, diabetes, cardio-vascular diseases, cancer, immune deficiency conditions), pregnant women, children below the age of 10 years and persons above 65 years of age may avoid travel by rail, except when it is essential.

"​Indian Railway parivaar is working 24X7 to ensure that rail services are provided to all the citizens of the country needing to travel. But safety of our passengers is our biggest concern. So, we seek the cooperation of all citizens in this matter. In case of any distress or emergency please do not hesitate to reach out to your railway parivaar and we will help you as always (Helpline number - 139 & 138)," Ministry of Railways said.