Tatkal Ticket Booking

Tatkal is a ticket booking scheme that was introduced by the Indian Railways to help passengers who need to travel on short notice. If you are not able to book train tickets using the General Quota, you can book tickets under the Tatkal quota. Tatkal ticket booking is applicable for all classes except Unreserved/General Class and First AC passengers. You can easily book Tatkal train tickets on redRail, an authorised train ticket booking platform. Though there are services for you to book Tatkal tickets at railway stations, you will have to stand in a long queue to get train tickets. You can have to book train tickets on Tatkal one day before the journey date.

Are you wondering how to book Tatkal train tickets online? We are here to provide you with easy steps to book Tatkal railway tickets on redRail. You can book AC and sleeper buses on redRail, offering an easy and hassle-free booking experience. Follow the stepwise instructions on the Tatkal reservation mentioned below.

• Step 1: Visit the redRail app or website one day before the date of journey of the desired train from the origin station.
• Step 2: Enter the names of the origin and destination stations.
• Step 3: Enter the date of the journey and click on the ‘Search’ button.
• Step 4: Tatkal tickets available on your desired route will be displayed on the screen.
• Step 5: Enter your IRCTC login ID and passenger details. You can book up to 4 Tatkal tickets per PNR.
• Step 6: Choose a payment method. Enter your IRTC login password to confirm your train ticket and finalise the booking.
• Step 7: You can check your PNR for booking status.

Tatkal booking time is for you to book tickets only a day before the journey date. For example, if you are planning to travel on 25 January, then you need to book your Tatkal tickets on 24 January. The Tatkal ticket booking time window opens at 10 AM for AC classes (except First Class AC) and 11 AM for non-AC classes. The Tatkal ticket booking timing is the same for online and offline bookings. Hence, it is recommended that you take note of the online Tatkal ticket booking time and be prepared 15 minutes in advance of the stipulated booking time.

Additional charges are levied for Tatkal ticket booking. The additional tatkal charges vary from 10% to 30% of the basic fare. For the sleeper class, it is 10% of the basic fare, while for AC classes, it is 30% of the basic fare. Here are the Tatkal charges per ticket:

Minimum Additional Charges for Tatkal Ticket Booking

• Second Class (sitting)- Rs.10
• Sleeper Class- Rs.100
• AC Chair Car Class- Rs.125
• AC 3 Tier Class- Rs.300
• AC 2 Tier Class- Rs.400
• Executive Class- Rs.400

Maximum Additional Charges for Tatkal Ticket Booking

• Second Class (sitting)- Rs.15
• Sleeper Class- Rs.200
• AC Chair Car Class- Rs.225
• AC 3 Tier Class- Rs.400
• AC 2 Tier Class- Rs.500
• Executive Class- Rs.500

There is a chance you might want to cancel your Tatkal train tickets due to last-minute changes in your travel plans. Below are essential points you should consider when cancelling Tatkal train tickets.

• For confirmed tickets:
  • There is no refund for the cancellation of confirmed Tatkal tickets.
• For RAC or waitlisted tickets:
  • In the case of RAC or waitlisted Tatkal tickets, the cancellation can be done until 30 minutes before the train's scheduled departure time. However, tatkal cancellation charges apply.
  • No refund is issued if you cancel after 30 minutes from the scheduled departure time of the train.
  • If the status of previously RAC or waitlisted tickets is shown as confirmed, then they are treated just like confirmed tickets. No refund is issued on their cancellation.
For Waitlisted Tickets:
• For Tatkal tickets, where all the passengers are waitlisted even after the preparation of the final reservation chart, a refund is issued after deducting clerkage charges.

redRail by redBus makes Tatkal ticket cancellations easy. Now, you can simply view the details of your booking and find the option to modify or cancel your train tickets. You can also opt for ‘Free Cancellation’ at the time of Tatkal ticket booking to avoid paying IRCTC cancellation charges later. The ‘Free Cancellation’ option requires you to pay a nominal additional charge but in return, makes cancellation free of cost.

Below are some essential tips for passengers booking Tatkal tickets online. 

• Create an IRCTC Account in Advance: Ensure you have a valid and active IRCTC account with all necessary details saved, such as passenger names, IDs, and payment options.

• Know the Online Tatkal Ticket Booking Time: Tatkal booking time opens at 10:00 AM for AC classes and 11:00 AM for non-AC classes one day before the journey. Log in at least 10 minutes early.

• Keep Passenger Details Handy: Save all passenger details (name, age, gender, ID proof) in a text file when booking Tatkal tickets.

• Use High-Speed Internet: A stable and fast internet connection is crucial to avoid delays or disconnections during the booking of Tatkal tickets.

• Choose the Right Payment Method: Opt for quick payment methods like UPI, net banking, or saved card details to speed up the process.

• Search and Select Train Quickly: Check train availability and schedules beforehand to choose your preferred train and class during booking quickly.

• Be Ready at the Tatkal Booking Timing: Ensure you are logged in and ready to book exactly at the opening time to secure seats.

• Keep Alternative Options in Mind: If your first choice isn’t available, have backup trains and classes ready to avoid wasting time.