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New initiative aims to cut long queues and streamline reservation process at railway counters
Bhubaneswar, July 28 (UDN): Passengers booking Tatkal train tickets at railway reservation counters will soon have a more organised experience, as Indian Railways is introducing a token-based system from August 1 to reduce overcrowding and improve efficiency.
The initiative, launched by the West Central Railway (WCR), is designed to eliminate the need for passengers to wait in long queues before Tatkal booking windows open. Instead, travellers can collect a token during a designated time slot and return when their number is called.
1 अगस्त से Tatkal Ticket का नया Token सिस्टम! AC के 10 और Sleeper के 15 Token, जानिए नया समय। पश्चिम मध्य रेलवे के लिए।#TatkalTicket #IndianRailways #RailwayTicket #RailwayUpdate
Tatkal Ticket Booking, Tatkal Token System, WCR Tatkal Rules, Railway Reservation pic.twitter.com/IvTX0POwz0— Indian Railway भारतीय रेल (News Update) (@Indianrailgadi) July 27, 2026
Token Distribution Timings
Under the new arrangement:
- AC Tatkal bookings: Tokens will be issued between 8:30 am and 9:00 am.
- Non-AC Tatkal bookings: Tokens will be distributed from 9:00 am to 9:30 am.
Passengers must visit the reservation counter during these time slots to receive a token, which will determine their turn for booking.
Two Categories of Tokens
The token system will operate under two categories:
- Category A: Reserved for passengers booking Tatkal tickets for family members.
- Category B: Applicable to all other Tatkal bookings.
To obtain a Category A token, applicants must present their own valid photo identification along with the valid photo ID of the family member travelling.
Initial Token Limits
At the launch stage, each reservation counter will issue:
- 10 tokens for AC Tatkal bookings
- 15 tokens for Non-AC Tatkal bookings
Railway authorities have stated that these numbers may be revised depending on passenger demand at individual stations.
Booking Rules
Passengers must return to the reservation counter when their token number is announced to complete the booking process. The tokens will be non-transferable and can only be used by the person to whom they were issued.
If Tatkal seats remain available after all token holders have completed their bookings, the remaining tickets will be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Objective Behind the Move
Railway officials believe the token system will make Tatkal ticket booking at reservation counters more transparent, reduce congestion, minimise waiting times and ensure a smoother experience for passengers. If successful, the initiative could serve as a model for wider implementation across the Indian Railways network.