Booking Limit for Indian Railway Tickets at Counters and Online

Traveling through Indian Railways is a common practice for both daily commuters and tourists. Understanding the booking limits for tickets is crucial to avoid any inconvenience. This article guides you through the rules and regulations regarding the number of tickets one can book, both in person at the counter and online through IRCTC.

Booking at the Indian Railway Ticket Counters

When you visit an Indian Railway ticket counter, there are specific rules that govern the number of tickets you can book in a single transaction and over a specified period. These rules may vary slightly from one city to another, but the main guidelines are as follows:

Single Transaction Limit: You can book a maximum of 6 tickets at a time for a single journey. This means if you are traveling with a group, you will need to split your group into batches of 6 to book all tickets. Monthly Limit: There is no specific monthly limit for counter bookings. However, individual ticket counters might have their own operational guidelines. It is always recommended to confirm the latest rules from the official Indian Railways website or with the ticket counter staff. Group Booking: Under the group booking scheme, a single application can reserve up to 6 tickets. This can be particularly useful for family trips or large groups.

While no upper limit exists for the number of tickets you can pay for at the counter, it is important to present the correct number of reservation forms corresponding to the number of tickets you are purchasing. For instance, if you are buying two tickets, you need to present two separate forms.

Booking via IRCTC Website/App

While you can book unlimited tickets at the counter, there are specific restrictions when booking online through the Indian Railways' official booking website (IRCTC). These are:

Monthly Limit: You can generate a maximum of 6 Passenger Name Records (PNR) in a month. Within each PNR, you can book a maximum of 6 people in the general quota. This rule is due to the limited number of rows available on the IRCTC site. Per PNR Limit: For a single run, you can only book one outward journey and one return journey with a single PNR. This means you need a separate PNR for each return trip if you are making round trips.

The monthly cycle for IRCTC bookings is from 1 to 30 or 31 days, depending on the month. Therefore, within this period, you can book up to 36 people's tickets, adding up to six PNRs with six people each.

Confirmation and Verification

It is always advisable to confirm the latest rules and regulations. Sanjay, a user on Quora, verified the information by contacting the IRCTC customer care. The official response indicates the following:

For a single user, the monthly PNR generation limit is 6, with each PNR accommodating a maximum of 6 passengers in the general quota. The monthly cycle for bookings begins on the 1st and ends on the 30th or 31st day of the month. Therefore, the maximum number of people whose tickets can be booked in a month is 36 (6 PNRs * 6 passengers).

Sanjay's verification underscores the importance of validating information before sharing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book more than 6 tickets in a single booking? No, you can only book a maximum of 6 tickets for a single journey at a time. What is the monthly limit for booking tickets online? You can generate a maximum of 6 PNRs in a month, with each PNR accommodating 6 passengers. Are there any restrictions for booking tickets at the counter? No, there is generally no upper limit for booking tickets at the counter, except for specific counter guidelines that may apply.

In conclusion, understanding these guidelines will help you plan your travel efficiently and avoid any inconvenience. Always check the latest information from trusted sources to ensure accurate and up-to-date booking procedures.