Understanding the Timing of Booking Tatkal Tickets Online vs. at the Booking Counter
The Tatkal scheme in Indian Railways offers passengers the ability to book tickets with short notice. However, passengers often have varying queries regarding the timing and convenience of booking Tatkal tickets. Let's delve into the differences between booking Tatkal tickets online and at the booking counter.
Online Booking of Tatkal Tickets
Timing: Online booking for Tatkal tickets is available starting at 10:00 AM for AC classes (2AC, 3AC, and Sleeper) and at 11:00 AM for non-AC classes (Sleeper) one day before the journey date.
Availability: Passengers can book Tatkal tickets for railway journeys via the IRCTC website and mobile app. These platforms provide an extensive ticket availability check which can sometimes result in securing a ticket even with a last-minute booking.
Convenience: Online booking offers unparalleled convenience. Passengers can book Tatkal tickets from anywhere, without the need to travel to a booking counter. This feature makes it ideal for those who prefer the comfort of booking from home or office.
Booking Tatkal Tickets at Railway Booking Counters
Timing: Booking Tatkal tickets at railway booking counters also starts at 10:00 AM for all classes, one day before the journey date. This timing is consistent with online booking to ensure fair access for all passengers.
Availability: Tickets booked at counter may have limited availability due to the stock being allocated to online bookings first. Therefore, there might be fewer tickets left on the counter for those who decide to queue up.
Queue: Passengers face a challenge of waiting in a queue, especially during peak hours or for popular trains, which can significantly increase the waiting time.
Comparison and Conclusion
While there is no difference in the timing for booking Tatkal tickets online versus at the booking counter, the experience and chances of securing a ticket can be quite different. Online bookings offer a better chance to secure a seat as they are prioritized for online availability. This methodology reduces the competition found in the queues at the booking counters, thus providing convenience and more rapid ticket booking for passengers who choose to book online.
However, for those who prefer to book in person or need to do so due to lack of internet access or other reasons, the booking counter remains a viable option. It's important for passengers to consider their convenience and requirements while choosing the method of booking.