The Indian Railways has updated its Tatkal ticket booking rules for 2025, introducing key changes aimed at improving the passenger experience and streamlining last-minute travel. From revised booking times to stricter regulations on waiting list travel, these new policies are important for anyone planning a journey on short notice.

Here’s a detailed look at the latest Tatkal rules and new measures introduced for passengers in 2025.

🕒 Tatkal Booking Timings (2025)

Tatkal tickets can still be booked one day prior to the date of journey (excluding the journey date), but the booking windows remain class-specific:

AC Classes: Booking opens at 10:00 AM
Non-AC Classes: Booking opens at 11:00 AM

Each PNR can include up to four passengers, and senior citizen concessions are not applicable under Tatkal bookings.

💸 Updated Tatkal Charges

Tatkal ticket prices are calculated as a percentage of the base fare, depending on the class of travel:

Class	Charges (% of fare)	Min (₹)	Max (₹)
Second Sitting (2S)	10%	₹10	₹15
Sleeper (SL)	30%	₹100	₹200
AC Chair Car (CC)	30%	₹125	₹225
AC 3 Tier (3A)	30%	₹300	₹400
AC 2 Tier (2A)	30%	₹400	₹500
Executive Class (EC)	30%	₹400	₹500

No refunds are granted on confirmed Tatkal tickets except in specific cancellation cases such as train cancellation or schedule change.

🔄 What’s New for Passengers in 2025?

✅ 1. Reduced Advance Reservation Period (ARP)

From November 2024, the ARP for most trains has been reduced from 120 days to 60 days, allowing more dynamic bookings and reducing fake or speculative reservations.

✅ 2. Platform Entry Rules Tightened

In a move to enhance safety and reduce crowding, only passengers with confirmed reserved tickets are allowed on platforms at over 60 major stations including New Delhi, Mumbai CSMT, Howrah, Chennai Central, and Bengaluru City.

This move is expected to improve platform security and reduce inconvenience during boarding.

✅ 3. Waiting List Travel Restrictions

Starting March 2025, passengers with waiting list tickets can no longer board sleeper or AC coaches. They are restricted to general compartments only.

Violators will face strict penalties:

₹250 fine for unauthorized travel in sleeper class
₹440 fine for AC coaches
Plus ticket fare from the train’s originating station

This rule aims to discourage overcrowding and ensure seat allotment transparency.

🚆 Quick Tips for Successful Tatkal Booking

Login early on IRCTC (around 9:45 AM for AC, 10:45 AM for Non-AC)
Keep all passenger details pre-filled
Use UPI or net banking for faster checkout
Avoid slow networks—use a stable internet connection

📌 Final Word

The Indian Railways’ updated Tatkal rules in 2025 reflect its commitment to passenger safety, smoother booking processes, and a more reliable reservation system. With reduced ARPs, improved crowd control, and stricter waiting list enforcement, the travel experience is set to become more efficient and predictable.

Passengers are encouraged to stay informed and plan smartly—especially when relying on Tatkal bookings for urgent or last-minute travel.

Indian Railway Tatkal Ticket Rules 2025