Indian Railways has decided to restore the earlier system of preparation of second reservation charts from October 10. As per established pre-covid period instructions, the first reservation chart was prepared at least four hours before the scheduled departure of the train. Thereafter, the available accommodation could be booked across Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters as well as through the internet on first-come-first-serve basis till preparation of second reservation charts, the ministry said in a statement.
The Ministry added the second reservation charts were prepared between 30 minutes to five minutes before the scheduled time of departure of trains. Cancellation of already booked tickets was also permitted during this period as per provisions of refund rules.
Due to coronavirus pandemic, instructions were issued to shift the time of preparation of second reservation chart to two hours before scheduled time of departure of trains, it said, adding that as per request of Zonal Railways for ensuring convenience of rail passengers, the matter has been examined and it has been decided that the second reservation chart shall be prepared at least 30 minutes before scheduled time of departure of train.
Accordingly, ticket booking facilities online and on PRS ticket counters shall be available before preparation of the second chart, it added.
It further informed that CRIS has been issued necessary modifications in the software accordingly.