Wed Jul 02 16:43:55 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
The Indian Railway Board has issued a circular mandating earlier preparation of the first reservation chart for trains, especially those departing early in the morning. This aims to reduce uncertainty for passengers with waitlisted tickets, allowing them more time to make alternative arrangements if their tickets are not confirmed. The directive also covers charting at remote locations. The move was initiated at the direction of Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and will be implemented in phases. The second chart preparation will continue under current guidelines, to maximise current bookings.
**News Article:**
**Early Morning Train Travelers to Benefit from Advanced Reservation Charts**
**New Delhi, July 2, 2025** – The Indian Railway Board announced today that the first reservation chart for trains departing between 5:00 AM and 2:00 PM will now be prepared the previous night, preferably by 9:00 PM. This change aims to benefit passengers with waitlisted tickets by providing them with earlier confirmation of their ticket status and allowing them more time to make alternative travel arrangements.
The directive, issued to all Principal Chief Commercial Managers of Zonal Railways, also stipulates that trains departing between 2:00 PM and 5:00 AM will have their charts prepared eight hours in advance. This includes trains originating from remote locations.
“This move will reduce uncertainties for passengers with waitlist tickets,” stated a senior railway official. “The passengers will get the first update on waitlist status well in advance. It will benefit passengers travelling from remote locations or suburbs of major cities for catching long-distance trains. It will also provide more time to make alternative arrangements in case the ticket is not confirmed.”
The initiative was launched at the direction of Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and will be implemented in phases to avoid disruptions. While the first chart will be prepared earlier, the Railway Board clarified that the second chart will continue to be prepared according to existing guidelines to maximize current bookings.
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