Key Points
- Indian Railways is now preparing the waiting list chart 24 hours in advance, instead of the current 4 hours, to improve transparency and passenger convenience.
- The initiative is being piloted in the Bikaner Division on one train since June 6, and early results are positive.
- The new system may soon expand to high-demand routes, especially those connecting Delhi, UP, Bihar, West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
- Passengers will know ticket confirmation status a day before travel, allowing better planning and alternatives.
- The move follows suggestions made to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during his recent visit to Bikaner.
New Delhi: Securing a confirmed ticket on Indian Railways has long been a headache for millions of travelers, with many finding their bookings stuck on the waiting list until the last minute. In a major move to address this persistent issue, Indian Railways has launched a new initiative: the waiting list chart will now be prepared 24 hours before departure, instead of the previous 2.5 to 4-hour window.
Pilot Project Launched in Bikaner Division
The new system has been rolled out as a pilot project in the Bikaner Division, starting June 6. Currently, it is being tested on a single train, but the early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Passengers have reported greater clarity and convenience, as they now know well in advance whether their tickets are confirmed or if they need to make alternative travel arrangements.
Railway officials say that if the pilot continues to show success, the system will be expanded to other divisions and especially to high-demand routes. These include trains running from Delhi to Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, as well as routes connecting Bihar and UP to Maharashtra and Gujarat sectors notorious for long waiting lists and fierce competition for seats.
How the New System Works
Under the current system, the final waiting list chart is prepared just a few hours before the train departs, often leaving passengers anxious and scrambling at the last moment. With the new 24-hour advance charting, travelers will receive confirmation status a full day before their journey. This advance notice allows them to plan more effectively, explore alternative travel options, or make other necessary arrangements.
Ministerial Backing and Future Expansion
The idea for this reform was presented to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during his visit to Bikaner on May 21, when several new railway projects were dedicated to Rajasthan. Impressed by the proposal, the minister immediately approved the pilot, recognizing the potential benefits for passengers across India.
If successful, this initiative could soon become the norm on all major routes, particularly those where the waiting list is a year-round challenge, such as the busy Delhi-Mumbai corridor.
Why This Matters for Passengers
- Early Confirmation: Passengers get to know their ticket status a day in advance.
- Better Planning: More time to arrange alternative travel if not confirmed.
- Reduced Anxiety: Less last-minute uncertainty and confusion at stations.
- Transparency: Increased trust in the railway booking system.
