Railway Board Issues New Train Reservation Chart Guidelines

First Chart Preparation Timing Revised For Early Morning Departures

Key Points:

• New guidelines issued for first reservation chart preparation timing
• Early morning trains get charts prepared by 21:00 previous day
• Instructions cover all zonal railways and remote location charting

JAMSHEDPUR – Railway Board has issued revised guidelines for preparation of first reservation charts across all zonal railways with immediate effect.

The Ministry of Railways issued Commercial Circular number 10 of 2025 on July 2. However, the new instructions modify existing chart preparation timings. Moreover, they aim to maximize current bookings for passenger convenience.

Director Passenger Marketing/Coordination Praveen Kumar signed the official circular. Meanwhile, it addresses all Principal Chief Commercial Managers of zonal railways. Besides, the Managing Director of CRIS, Chanakyapuri received copies.

The guidelines reference earlier instructions dated April 15, 2025. However, zonal railways were previously advised about early morning departure procedures. Moreover, first charts were prepared before 21:00 hours on previous nights.

For trains departing between 05:00 and 14:00 hours, specific timing applies. Meanwhile, first reservation charts will be prepared by 21:00 previous day. However, this ensures adequate advance preparation for morning services.

Trains with departure between 14:00 and 23:59 hours follow different protocols. Besides, those departing between 00:00 and 05:00 also have separate arrangements. Furthermore, first charts will be prepared eight hours in advance.

Second reservation chart preparation remains unchanged under existing guidelines. However, this maintains current booking maximization strategies. Moreover, passengers benefit from established second chart procedures.

The instructions also cover charting procedures at remote locations. Meanwhile, all railway zones must implement these guidelines uniformly. Besides, this ensures consistency across the national railway network.

Railway Board emphasized that necessary instructions should reach all concerned officials. However, proper implementation requires coordination between commercial and operational departments. Moreover, station masters must follow revised timing protocols.

The circular comes during International Year of Cooperatives 2025 celebrations. Meanwhile, it reflects Railway Board’s commitment to passenger service improvement. Besides, streamlined chart preparation enhances booking efficiency.

Zonal railways must issue detailed instructions to subordinate offices immediately. However, compliance monitoring will ensure uniform implementation across regions. Furthermore, passenger feedback will help assess effectiveness of new guidelines.