Indian Railways has officially started ticket bookings for the Christmas and year-end holiday season.
With lakhs of people expected to travel across the country, passengers are being urged to reserve their seats early.
Tickets can be booked both online and offline to avoid last-minute hassles.
How to Book Train Tickets
Passengers can book tickets online through the IRCTC website or mobile app.
For those who prefer offline booking, tickets can also be reserved at railway station counters.
According to the Railways, the booking system is now easier for all passengers under the new set of simplified rules.
Last year, the Railways reduced the Advance Reservation Period (ARP) from 120 days to 60 days.
This means travelers can now book tickets up to two months before their journey.
New Rules for Online Bookings
From October 1, 2025, a new rule has been introduced for online reservations.
During the first 15 minutes after booking opens, only passengers with Aadhaar authentication will be able to book tickets on the IRCTC platform.
Meanwhile, authorized agents will not be allowed to make bookings for the first 10 minutes after general reservations open.
The Railway Ministry clarified that these restrictions apply only to online bookings — there is no change in timing for ticket booking at physical counters.
Why These Rules Were Introduced
According to the Railway Ministry, the new system aims to make the booking process more transparent and prevent fraudulent ticketing by touts.
Aadhaar verification will help ensure that only genuine passengers can book tickets.
In preparation for the heavy Christmas and New Year rush, Railways has also decided to add extra coaches to several popular trains.
Experts recommend that travelers book their tickets as soon as possible to secure confirmed seats during the holiday season.
