What is the Tatkal Charges???
Tatkal Charges refer to the additional fees that passengers have to pay when booking train tickets under the Tatkal quota. The Tatkal quota is designed for travellers who need to make last-minute bookings due to emergencies or immediate travel plans. The charges are applied on top of the base fare of the ticket and vary depending on the class of travel and distance.
It is applicable to Second Tier AC (2A), 3 Tier AC(3A),3 Tier Economy(3E), Executive chair car (EC) , chair car , Sleeper class and second class(2S) of all Mail, Express trains including Duronto , Rajdhani , Shatabdi , Jan Shatabdi , Humsafar and Garib Rath Express.
Tatkal Ticket Booking Time
Tatkal bookings open a day in advance of the actual journey date.
- For AC classes timings are as follows:
| Travel Class | Booking Time |
|---|---|
| AC 2 Tier (2A), AC 3 Tier (3A), AC-3 Tier Economy (3E), Chair Car Coach (CC), Executive Chair (EC) | 10:00 AM |
- For Non AC classes timings are as follows:
| Travel Class | Booking Time |
|---|---|
| Sleeper (SL), Second Seating (2S) | 11:00 AM |
How to calculate Tatkal charges
The Tatkal Charges have been established as a proportion of the fare, set at 10% of the basic fare for second class and 30% of the basic fare for all other classes, while adhering to the specified minimum and maximum values outlined in the table below.
| Travel Class | Minimum Distance for Charge | Minimum Tatkal Charges | Maximum Tatkal Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reserve Second Sitting (2S) | 100 KM | ₹10 | ₹15 |
| Sleeper | 500 KM | ₹100 | ₹200 |
| Executive | 250 KM | ₹400 | ₹500 |
| AC Chair Car | 250 KM | ₹125 | ₹225 |
| AC 3 Tier/Economy | 500 KM | ₹300 | ₹400 |
| AC 2 Tier | 500 KM | ₹400 | ₹500 |
Other Terms & Condition
- These charges are uniformly applied during both peak and non-peak periods.
- Duplicate Tatkal tickets will not be issued as a general practice. However, in exceptional circumstances, duplicate Tatkal tickets may be issued upon payment of the complete fare, including Tatkal charges.
- Additionally, Tatkal tickets are issued based on the actual distance of travel, with the option to book the same berth/seat in multiple legs until chart preparation. Unused portions may be allocated to General RAC/Waiting list passengers during chart preparation.
- The Tatkal facility is extended to the Executive Class of Shatabdi Express trains as well, with 10% of the accommodation allocated for Tatkal bookings (5 seats per coach).
- Proof of identity is required only for one passenger during Tatkal ticket booking. Various identity proofs are accepted, such as Voter ID, Passport, PAN Card,DL, Photo identity card issued by state and central govt etc.
- Agents of IRCTC are restricted from booking Tatkal tickets between 10 AM and 12 PM, and this rule also applies to internet bookings. The maximum number of passengers per Tatkal ticket is four, and web service agents of IRCTC can book only one Tatkal ticket per train per day.
- Under the Tatkal scheme, changing the name on booking is not allowed. furthermore , waiting list tickets are not eligible for issuance of TDRs (Ticket deposit receipt)
Understanding Tatkal Refunds
- Refunds will not be provided for the cancellation of confirmed Tatkal tickets, except in the following circumstances.
- If the train experiences a delay exceeding 3 hours at the passenger's journey originating point. This applies regardless of the boarding point if the passenger's point of origin and boarding point differ.
- When the train's route is altered, and the passenger chooses not to undertake the journey due to the diversion.
- If the train's route is altered, and neither the boarding station nor the destination lies on the newly diverted route.
- In instances where the designated coach with Tatkal accommodations is not attached, resulting in the passenger not receiving the intended accommodation in the same class.
- When passengers are allocated lower class accommodations, and they opt not to travel. If the passengers do travel in the lower class, they will receive a refund equivalent to the fare difference and the difference in Tatkal charges, if applicable.
Why Tatkal is costly?
Tatkal bookings in IRCTC are relatively more expensive compared to regular bookings due to several reasons
Urgent Travel Needs: Tatkal bookings are designed for travellers with urgent and last-minute travel requirements. The higher charges are intended to provide a service to passengers who need to secure a seat on a train at short notice.
Limited Quota: The Tatkal quota is limited, meaning only a certain number of seats are available under this category. As demand increases and the available seats in the Tatkal quota decrease, the charges rise to manage the demand-supply balance.
FAQ
Q 1: Are Tatkal Charges refundable?
Yes, Tatkal Charges are refundable in specific cases, such as train cancellations or if the ticket remains in the waiting list.
Q 2: Can I change the boarding station for Tatkal tickets?
No, changing the boarding station after booking a Tatkal ticket is not allowed.
Q 3: Can I book a Tatkal ticket for any train?
Tatkal booking is available for most express and mail trains, but not for all. It's essential to check the list of trains eligible for Tatkal bookings.
Q 4: Is there a quota limit for Tatkal bookings?
Yes, there is a limited Tatkal quota for each train, which means seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Q 5: Are senior citizens eligible for Tatkal bookings?
Yes, senior citizens can book Tatkal tickets, but they are not eligible for any specific concessions or discounts.
Q6: Can I get a full refund on a Tatkal ticket?
No, Tatkal tickets are subject to certain refund rules, and the amount refunded depends on the time of cancellation.
Q7: Are Tatkal Charges the same for all age groups?
Yes, Tatkal Charges apply to all passengers regardless of their age.
Q8: Is the Tatkal quota available for online as well as offline bookings?
Yes, both online and offline booking modes offer Tatkal quotas, but online booking is more convenient.
Q9: Can I book Tatkal tickets through the IRCTC app?
Yes, the IRCTC app provides a user-friendly platform for Tatkal bookings.
Q10: Are foreign tourists eligible for Tatkal bookings?
Yes, foreign tourists can also avail Tatkal bookings by providing valid passport details.
