Railways Plans to Release Final Passenger Chart 24 Hours Before Departure to Ease Waitlist Woes
Railways Plans to Release Final Passenger Chart 24 Hours Before Departure to Ease Waitlist Woes ( representation Image )
New Delhi, 11 June 2025: In a significant move to improve passenger convenience, Indian Railways is preparing to release the final passenger reservation chart a full 24 hours before a train’s departure. The move, currently being tested through pilot projects, aims to reduce uncertainty for waitlisted passengers and streamline operations.
At present, the final chart is prepared just four hours prior to the train’s departure from its originating station. This last-minute system often leaves travellers — especially those with waitlisted tickets — scrambling for alternatives when their seats are not confirmed. The proposed change will offer passengers greater clarity, giving them ample time to cancel, rebook, or explore other modes of travel.
According to railway officials, the initiative is part of a broader digital overhaul of railway services. Pilot projects are underway on select routes to test the feasibility of real-time data synchronisation and dynamic booking adjustments under the new system.
Currently, Indian Railways generates a first chart four hours before the train’s scheduled departure, followed by a second chart 30 minutes before departure to reflect any last-minute changes. The new system aims to consolidate these into a single chart prepared 24 hours in advance while maintaining a mechanism for real-time updates for cancellations or last-minute bookings.
A key challenge lies in ensuring passenger data from multiple stations and ticketing systems remains perfectly synced, to avoid confusion during boarding and seat allotment.
Once successfully implemented, the system could also notify passengers of seat allotments via SMS or email, improving transparency and reducing anxiety among travellers. Officials believe it will also help reduce congestion and allow staff to manage berths and waitlists more efficiently.
The 24-hour charting initiative marks a significant step toward a digitally enhanced travel experience and could transform how millions of Indians plan their rail journeys.
