Tatkal Reservation in the Indian Railways
Tatkal reservation in the Indian railway is a very convenient system for those who could not make reservation in the normal procedure. ‘Tatkal’ means ‘immediate’ and this facility is available in most of the trains and train routes. In the past, the trains on which tatkal journey was allowed were indicated with a ‘T’ at the end of the train number. But now that system has come to an end. If you want to avail the tatkal scheme, you need to apply at least 2 days in advance. The 2 days prior date is exclusive of the day of journey. This is in effect 3 days prior booking. Tatkal trains are not exclusive for tatkal passengers only. As a matter of fact, this facility is arranged on regular express trains. A few special coaches are attached to express trains for tatkal arrangements.
Those who are going to avail the tatkal reservation facility of the Indian railway need to know that this sort of reservation is available for the full length of the journey of the rain. For instance, suppose the train starts from Chennai and its final stop is New Delhi, but you want to board the train at Hyderabad and detrain at Bhopal, you will have to book a ticket for the entire length of the journey of the train and not of your journey. That is, you have to book a ticket from Chennai to Delhi, not from Hyderabad to Bhopal. However, in some cases there are exceptions to this rule.
While you book your seat under tatkal scheme in the Indian railways, you will have to remit additional amount than the ordinary charges. This additional charge may be Rs.50 or Rs.200 or sometimes it can be as high as Rs.200 depending on the class and distance of the journey. In order to book ticket under the tatkal scheme, you need to produce a photo affixed Identity Document. This identification document can be your Passport, PAN Card, Credit Card, Driving License, etc. Photo identification card is essential for the tatkal passenger on the train also when the Traveling Ticket Examiner (TTE) asks for it. Your ID number is noted on the ticket by the TTE to ensure that the ticket is not sold in the black market. You can book for up to a group of 6 passengers under one ticket and for that only one ID is sufficient. Cancellation provision for tickets is not available for tatkal ticket. You cannot cancel a tatkal ticket. Even then, this scheme is a boon for those who are in an emergency.