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.
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)
Advertisement
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.
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.
You’ve Read Your Free Stories For Now
Sign up and keep reading more stories that matter to you.
“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.
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.
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.
Indian Railways New Chart Timing
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
Express InfoGenIE
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 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
