When is the Reservation Chart Prepared for the First AC Coaches in Indian Railways?
The reservation chart for First AC Air-Conditioned coaches in Indian Railways is typically prepared approximately 4 hours before the scheduled departure of the train. This chart includes details of passengers who have confirmed their bookings and is used for boarding the train. Passengers can check the chart on the Indian Railways website or through various mobile apps.
Main Chart Preparation Timings for Indian Railways
In Indian Railways, the Main Chart which finalizes all Advance Reservation allotments including WL/RAC and for all Quotas GN/RL/PQ/TQ etc., for all reserved classes is prepared around 20:00 hrs (8 PM) on a normal working day or around 14:00 hrs (2 PM) between 1 PM to 3 PM on a Sunday or Major Holiday Half Day working. This ensures that passengers have enough time to check their status and decide whether to travel or not.
For trains departing after 23:00 hrs (11 PM) on the same date, the chart can be prepared around midnight. Trains departing after midnight for the next day, as per date of journey, will have their chart prepared up to 12 Noon of the next day. However, in any case, the chart must be prepared at least 4 hours before the scheduled departure of the train from the source station. A remote location chart is also prepared, which includes Remote Location Quota berths/seats from the nominated Remote Location or next stations in the train route.
Different Booking Types
There are two kinds of bookings in Indian Railways: Advance Reservation and Current Booking. Tatkal and Premium Tatkal bookings fall under the Advance Reservation category. TQ/PT is not applicable for 1AC class.
Chart Preparation Rule No. 1
Indian Railways reservation chart is prepared at least 4 hours before the scheduled departure of the train. This ensures that waitlisted passengers (WL) can check if their status has improved. No one can stall or delay the chart preparation to be less than 4 hours before train departure. This is a standard rule to maintain the reservation process.
Chart Preparation Rule No. 2
The chart is prepared around 20 hrs (8 PM) for trains with scheduled departure after midnight, obviously on the next date. For trains with departure before midnight, charts are prepared before 8 PM as per Rule No. 1. An interesting fact is that no train has a departure time of 00:00 hrs (midnight).
Chart Preparation Rule No. 3
To provide vacant seats/berths to last-minute passengers, there is a separate Current Booking facility available online through IRCTC. This booking facility begins after the charting and continues till 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of the train. The Current Booking chart is prepared 30 minutes before the scheduled departure.
The Main Chart, which is governed by Rules 1 and 2, freezes the status of all advance reservation tickets including WL, including GN, RL, GN, PQ, Tatkal, TQ, Premium Tatkal, PT, etc. and RAC. The chart prepared 4 hours prior to the train timing or even before is the de-facto final chart. The Current Booking chart contains only the names of passengers booked under the Current Booking facility.
Conclusion
The reservation chart for First AC coaches in Indian Railways is a crucial element of the reservation process, ensuring a smooth boarding experience for passengers. Adhering to the chart preparation timings helps in maintaining the reservation system's efficiency and fairness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why is the chart prepared 4 hours before the train departure?
A: This timeline allows waitlisted passengers to check their status and decide whether to travel or not, as not all people reside near the journey's starting station.
Q: Can the chart preparation be stalled or delayed?
A: No, chart preparation cannot be stalled or delayed to be less than 4 hours before train departure. This is a standard rule to maintain the reservation process.
Q: Is the Current Booking chart related to the Main Chart?
A: No, the Current Booking chart contains only the names of passengers booked under the Current Booking facility. It has nothing to do with the already existing WL/RAC passengers under the advance reservation.
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