Indian Railways has introduced a major convenience for passengers travelling on the Vande Bharat Express and other reserved trains. Travellers can now book vacant seats up to 15 minutes before a train's scheduled departure, even after the reservation chart has been prepared.

The move is designed to improve seat occupancy while giving last-minute travellers a better chance of securing confirmed tickets.

What's new?

Previously, ticket bookings were largely restricted once the reservation chart was finalised. Under the revised system, any seats that remain vacant after chart preparation will continue to be available for booking until 15 minutes before the train departs.

This change is expected to reduce the number of empty seats on reserved trains and make travel more convenient for passengers with urgent or unexpected travel plans.

Who stands to benefit?

The updated rule is especially useful for passengers who need to travel at short notice or those who missed getting a confirmed ticket during the regular reservation process. Instead of leaving vacant seats unused, Indian Railways will now make them available until just before departure.

How can you book?

Passengers can reserve these available seats through:

  • The IRCTC website
  • The IRCTC Rail Connect mobile app
  • Authorised Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters

Bookings will only be possible if seats remain vacant after the reservation chart has been prepared.

Which trains are included?

The facility applies to reserved trains, including Vande Bharat Express services. However, availability will depend on whether any seats remain unoccupied after chart preparation for a particular train.

Things passengers should keep in mind

Before using the facility, travellers should:

  • Check seat availability before heading to the station.
  • Reach the station well before the scheduled departure time.
  • Carry a valid government-issued identity proof during the journey.
  • Book tickets only through official channels such as the IRCTC website, Rail Connect app, or authorised PRS counters.

Why has Indian Railways introduced this rule?

The revised booking policy aims to maximise seat utilisation and offer greater flexibility to passengers.

By allowing confirmed ticket bookings until just 15 minutes before departure, Indian Railways hopes to minimise vacant seats while making train travel more accessible for those with last-minute travel requirements.