Indian Railways new chart timing: Important updates for waiting list, RAC passengers

Indian Railways New Chart Timing Update: The move is expected to benefit train passengers holding waiting list and RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) tickets.

In its letter issued on December 12, the Ministry of Railways has revised the timing for the preparation of the first reservation chart.

Indian Railways New Chart Timing: In its letter issued on December 12, the Ministry of Railways has revised the timing for the preparation of the first reservation chart. (Image generated using AI)

Indian Railways new chart preparation time: Indian Railways (IR) has introduced a major change in its reservation chart preparation and release timing. The move is expected to benefit train passengers holding waiting list and RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) tickets.

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Indian Railways new rules for chart preparation time

In its latest circular issued on December 12, the Ministry of Railways has revised the timing for the preparation of the first reservation chart. In a letter to all Principal Chief Commercial Managers (PCCMs), the Railway Board said the move aims to reduce the anxiety of passengers travelling from remote locations while catching long-distance trains.

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“With a view to inform passengers well in time about the reservation status so as to remove the anxiety of passengers coming from the remote locations to get the long-distance trains, it has been decided to prepare the first reservation charts,” the RB said in a statement.

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Indian Railways chart preparation time before departure

According to the latest guidelines issued by Indian Railways on chart preparation timing, passengers should note that for trains departing between 05:01 hrs and 14:00 hrs, the first reservation chart will be prepared preferably by 20:00 hrs on the previous day.

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Indian Railways new chart timing update

Meanwhile, for trains with departure times between 14:01 hrs and 23:59 hrs, as well as those departing between 00:00 hrs and 05:00 hrs, the first reservation chart will be prepared preferably at least 10 hours in advance.

Train Departure Time

05:01 - 14:00 hrs

First Chart Preparation

By 20:00 hours of the previous day

Train Departure Time

14:01 - 05:00 hrs

First Chart Preparation

At least 10 hours in advance of departure

Source: Ministry of Railways

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Indian Railways booking online, IRCTC ticket booking online

IRCTC has seen a significant surge in ticket bookings in recent times. With simplified processes, most passengers now prefer booking their train tickets online through IRCTC rather than using PRS counters at railway stations. In a written reply in the Lok Sabha on December 3, 2025, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that e-ticketing now accounts for over 87% of all reserved tickets booked on Indian Railways.

Anish Mondal

Anish Mondal is a business journalist with over nine years of experience. He writes on diverse subjects such as Infrastructure, Railways, Roadways, Aviation, Politics, Market, Parliamentary affairs, Corporate earnings, General and International news etc. ... Read More

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