Tatkal booking rules change from August 1: West Central Railway introduces new token system (Image generated using AI)Tatkal booking rules change from August 1: West Central Railway (WCR) has revised the Tatkal ticket booking process from August 1 by introducing new token rules. The changes are aimed at streamlining the booking process, reducing crowding at reservation counters and improving passenger convenience.According to Saurabh Jain, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (Sr DCM), Kota Division, the token distribution timings have been aligned with the start of Tatkal booking to make the process more convenient for passengers. The new system will eliminate the need for passengers to visit railway reservation counters twice.Also Read | Indian Railways expands Kavach 4.0 to 2,490 Route km on Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah routesNew tatkal token timings to reduce waiting at reservation countersUnder the revised timings, tokens for AC classes will be distributed from 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM, while tokens for Non-AC classes will be issued from 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM, he said.Currently, passengers booking Tatkal tickets in the AC coaches receive tokens between 9:00 AM and 9:25 AM, while those booking Sleeper (Non-AC) class tickets receive tokens from 9:30 AM to 9:55 AM.The railway official further said that each reservation counter will issue 10 tokens for AC classes and 15 tokens for Non-AC classes.“The number of tokens may be increased or decreased depending on local requirements and passenger rush. After all token holders have completed their bookings, any remaining Tatkal seats will be allotted to other passengers on a first-come, first-served basis,” he said.New priority categories introduced for tatkal token distributionThe official said that zonal railway has introduced two priority categories for Tatkal token distribution:Story continues below this adUnder Category A, passengers booking tickets for themselves or their family members will be given priority.Category B includes all other passengers, who will be served only after all Category A bookings are completed.Passengers applying under Category B must carry an Aadhaar card or any other valid photo identity card accepted by the Railways.Those applying under Category A for themselves or a family member must carry their own valid photo ID as well as a valid identity document of the family member that proves the relationship.The official also said that the issued token will be strictly non-transferable, and the ticket will be issued only to the person in whose name the token has been issued. He also advised the passengers to reach the reservation centre at the designated time and carry a valid photo identity card to ensure the smooth conduct of the Tatkal reservation process.Indian Railways Tatkal ticket booking timingsAs per Indian Railways (IR) norms, the tatkal ticket booking window opens at 10:00 AM for AC classes and at 11:00 AM for non-AC classes, one day prior to the train’s date of journey.Story continues below this adApart from PRS counters, the tickets under tatkal Scheme can also be booked through the website of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC)/its app only by Aadhaar authenticated users.Anish Mondal is a journalist with over nine years of experience covering the railways and roadways. Currently a member of the Indianexpress.com editorial team, Anish specializes in high-impact sectors. Professional Journey Anish began his career at the public broadcaster Rajya Sabha Television (now Sansad TV), where he developed a foundational understanding of legislative processes and national governance. In 2018, he transitioned to digital financial journalism at FinancialExpress.com, spending nearly six years refining his expertise in market trends and corporate reporting. Before joining The Indian Express in 2025, he served as a key contributor at ETNowNews.com. Education & Expertise Anish’s reporting is backed by a rigorous academic background in communication and the humanities: Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) – Apeejay Stya University Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Production (PGTVRJP) – Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication Bachelor of Arts (English Honours) – University of Calcutta Areas of Coverage Connectivity: Detailed reporting on the expansion of Indian Railways and National Highway networks. ... Read More