Days after Indian Railways resumed passenger train services across the nation in a phased manner the Ministry of Railways has now allowed the booking of train tickets through Trainman app. So you can book your tickets through the Trainman app now. All you need to do is update the Trainman app if you haven’t done it till now. Ticket booking has been allowed in selected reservation counters (PRS) also. Although there is no need to stand in long queues outside the ticket booking counters to book the train tickets with chances of getting affected by the virus. Just sit back and relax as you can now book the train tickets while you’re safe at home through the Trainman app.
Let us now have a look at the booking rules for the special trains:
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The maximum advance reservation period (ARP) for the special trains is 30 days (instead of 120 days).
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No tatkal quota (TQ) and premium tatkal quota (PT) is applicable on the special trains.
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RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) and waiting list (WL) would be issued in the special trains as per extant rules however waiting list ticket holders shall not be permitted to board the train.
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The first chart preparation will take place 4 hours before scheduled departure of the train and the second chart preparation will take place at least 2 hours before the departure time of the train (instead of 30 minutes). Current booking shall be permitted only between the first and second chart preparation.
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No catering charges are included in the ticket fare. Passengers are advised to bring their own food and bottled water. Dry or ready-to-eat food and bottled water would be provided to the travellers on demand inside the trains on payment basis.
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In COVID-19 special trains passengers can only book tickets in lower berth quota and ladies quota.
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No concession shall be permitted for senior citizen passengers in both fully air-conditioned rajdhani-like COVID-19 special trains and other 200 special trains.
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For the remaining 200 special trains four categories of divyangjan concessions and eleven categories of patient concessions shall be permitted.
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The fare of the COVID-19 special trains is based on the flexi-fare scheme while dynamic pricing is not applicable on the other 200 special trains.
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All the passengers are required to reach the station at least 90 minutes ahead of the train departure time. Passengers with only valid confirmed tickets are allowed to enter railway stations.
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No linen, blankets and curtains would be provided to the passengers inside the trains.
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All the passengers must download the Aarogya Setu mobile app.
The Ministry of Railways has issued an order to open the ticket reservation counters from May 22 onwards at selected stations. Passengers at the reservation counters need to follow the social distancing norms to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus. It is mandatory for the passengers to wear a face cover or masks at the reservation counters.
As the Indian government takes a step towards normalcy, we must follow the precautions given below to fight against the COVID-19 infection.
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Practice social distancing: Even if you are at the railway station, reservation counter or inside the train you must maintain 6 feet distance in the wake of coronavirus.
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Wear a mask: Do not forget to cover your nose and mouth with a face cover or mask.
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Carry hand sanitizer: Always carry an alcohol-based hand rub or hand sanitiser to keep your hands clean. It is crucial to wash your hands frequently as hands get contaminated very easily. So, washing your hands for 20 seconds is the best way to prevent germs.
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Avoid physical contact: Avoid shaking hands or even a hi-five. If you want to greet anyone, greet them with Namaste without any physical contact.
Stay home, stay safe! If you want to know about the coronavirus outbreak in India check the latest COVID-19 updates. Stay tuned to the Trainman blog to know the latest updates on railways and COVID-19 virus. For your one-stop solution, book your train and flight tickets through Trainman app. Download the Trainman App to check PNR Status of your ticket, Running Status, Seat availability in special trains and many such features. The Trainman team recommends all the people across the nation to avoid non-essential travel to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus.