The Tatkal scheme in India is a special service for the Indian people by the Indian Railways that allows the passengers to book train tickets at very short notice or at a very short period for example a day before the date of the train journey starts. It is especially for people who need to travel urgently and can’t book The ticket in advance.
Features of the Tatkal Scheme
Booking time
The booking time of Tatkal tickets opens at 10 AM for AC classes, and 11 AM for non-AC classes and the ticket needs to be booked one day before the date of the train journey starts. Iska matlab aapko Ek Din pahle hi train ko book karna padega 10:00 Baje AC classes ke liye aur 11:00 Baje non Ac classes ke liye.
Tatkal charges
The Tatkal schemes come with additional charges, including the percentage of the base fair. these charges depend on the classes of the train for example sleeper class, AC class, AC 3 tier, AC 2 tier, and AC 1 Tier.
Limited availability
The Tatkal scheme has limited seats or berths available on a train under the Tatkal quota. These are usually limited and in high demand. So, the tickets sell out very fast.
Identity proof
While booking a Tatkal ticket no identity proof is required but it is very important that one passenger on the ticket Must carry their original document during travelling.
Restrictions
The restriction of Tatkal schemes is only four passengers can be booked per PNR Number and during initial hours availability, the Travel agent and IRCTC web agents have restrictions on bookings of Tatkal tickets.
Refunds
The refunds of tatkal tickets are generally not allowed but it is allowed during such special cases for example if the train is delayed by more than 3 hours or if the train running on a diverted route and the passenger does not want to travel.
Tatkal Charges before journey starting date 24.12.2015
| Class of Travel | Minimum Tatkal Charges (in Rs.) | Maximum Tatkal Charges (in Rs.) |
| Second (sitting) | 10.00 | 15.00 |
| Sleeper | 90.00 | 175.00 |
| AC Chair Car | 100.00 | 200.00 |
| AC 3 Tier | 250.00 | 350.00 |
| AC 2 Tier | 300.00 | 400.00 |
| Executive/ AC 1 Tier | 300.00 | 400.00 |
| Class of Travel | Minimum Tatkal Charges (in Rs.) | Maximum Tatkal Charges (in Rs.) | Minimum Distance for charge (in Km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reserve Second sitting (2S) | 10.00 | 15.00 | 100 |
| Sleeper | 100.00 | 200.00 | 500 |
| AC Chair Car | 125.00 | 225.00 | 250 |
| AC 3 Tier | 300.00 | 400.00 | 500 |
| AC 2 Tier | 400.00 | 500.00 | 500 |
| Executive/ AC 1 Tier | 400.00 | 500.00 | 250 |
Refund Policy
Full refunds are allowed if:
- The train is delayed by more than 3 hours.
- The train is diverted, and you don’t wish to travel.
- The train runs on a diverted route that doesn’t include your boarding or destination station.