In a major relief for passengers, Indian Railways has announced a new rule allowing last-minute ticket bookings for Vande Bharat Express trains. Travelers can now book tickets just 15 minutes before departure, provided seats are available. This move aims to help those making urgent travel plans, eliminating the previous restriction that required bookings to be made well in advance.

Key Highlights of the New Rule

  • Instant Booking: Tickets can be booked until 15 minutes before departure through IRCTC’s website, mobile app, or railway station counters.

  • Applicable Routes: Currently available for the Gorakhpur-Prayagraj Vande Bharat Express and will soon extend to other routes.

  • More Coaches Added: Railways has increased the number of coaches (8 to 16) on select trains to accommodate last-minute travelers.

Why This Change Matters

Earlier, premium trains like Vande Bharat had strict cut-off times for ticket bookings, causing inconvenience for passengers with sudden travel needs. Kuldeep Tiwari, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, stated that this decision was taken to enhance passenger convenience, especially for those who require urgent travel.

How to Book Last-Minute Tickets

  1. Online Booking: Visit IRCTC website/app, enter train number, boarding station, and travel date.

  2. Check Availability: Under ‘Current Booking’ or ‘Normal Booking’, see if seats are open.

  3. Confirm & Pay: If available, book immediately and complete payment.

  4. Station Counter: Alternatively, visit the nearest railway ticket counter for offline booking.

Fact Check & Benefits

✅ Verified by Railways: Official update from Indian Railways.
✅ Flexible Travel: Helps business travelers, tourists, and emergency commuters.
✅ Increased Capacity: More coaches mean higher chances of seat availability.

This passenger-friendly move is expected to make travel smoother for thousands of daily commuters. Will you be using this new feature? Let us know in the comments!