Need A Last-Minute Train Ticket? Here's How You Can Book Confirmed Seat Just 15 Minutes Before Departure

Published 8 July 2026 · local

Need A Last-Minute Train Ticket? Here's How You Can Book Confirmed Seat Just 15 Minutes Before Departure Published By, Last Updated: July 08, 2026, 12:37

Need A Last-Minute Train Ticket? Here's How You Can Book Confirmed Seat Just 15 Minutes Before Departure Published By, Last Updated: July 08, 2026, 12:37 IST The revised framework will let passengers reserve available seats up to 15 minutes before the scheduled departure of the train, provided that the vacancies remain Passengers can now book tickets 15 minutes prior to the train's scheduled departure | Image for representation The Indian Railways has introduced a new reservation facility, allowing last-minute travellers to book confirmed tickets for vacant seats in select reserved trains, even after the reservation chart is finalised.

The revised framework will let passengers reserve available seats up to 15 minutes before the scheduled departure of the train, provided that the vacancies remain even after the chart is prepared, according to the Pune Times Mirror. The fresh rule aims at ensuring better and more efficient utilisation of vacant seats, offering greater flexibility to travellers. Earlier, the booking window was closed once the chart was prepared, leaving many seats unoccupied and inconvenience to passengers, especially in emergency situations. How Passengers Can Book Confirmed Tickets After examining real-time seat availability on the selected train, passengers can avail tickets through the official website of the IRCTC, the IRCTC Rail Connect mobile application, or at Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters, Pune Times Mirror reported.

Pertinent to note the reservations will only be made if there remains vacancy on the train after the preparation of the chart. According to railway officials, the revised rules will be conducive to ensuring seat occupancy in select reserved trains, including Vande Bharat Express, and increasing the chances of providing passengers with confirmed tickets. The facility will particularly be beneficial under crucial circumstances –– medical emergency, business travels, or family-related emergency. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: July 08, 2026, 12:37 IST News india Need A Last-Minute Train Ticket?

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