Amid widespread speculation on social media, Indian Railways has issued a public clarification confirming that Tatkal ticket timings remain unchanged. The response came after a fake circular began circulating online, falsely claiming a change in the Tatkal booking windows for both AC and non-AC classes.
No Change In Tatkal Ticket Timings, Confirms Railways
Some posts are circulating on Social Media channels mentioning about different timings for Tatkal and Premium Tatkal tickets.
No such change in timings is currently proposed in the Tatkal or Premium Tatkal booking timings for AC or Non-AC classes.
The permitted booking… pic.twitter.com/bTsgpMVFEZ
— IRCTC (@IRCTCofficial) April 11, 2025
Indian Railways, in an official statement on X (formerly Twitter), categorically denied the rumours, calling the viral post misleading. It reaffirmed that Tatkal ticket bookings continue to open at 10:00 AM for AC classes and 11:00 AM for non-AC classes on the day prior to the date of the journey.
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“There has been no change in the timing of booking Tatkal tickets. Please do not get misled by such false information,” read the post by the Ministry of Railways. The ministry urged passengers to check only verified sources, such as the IRCTC website, the Rail Connect mobile app, or the official social media handles of Indian Railways, for any updates or changes.
Fake Circular Causes Confusion Among Travellers
The viral confusion originated from a digitally doctored document styled to resemble an official railway circular. It quickly spread across messaging platforms and social media. This led to unnecessary panic among daily commuters and long-distance passengers, as reported by India Today.
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Many travellers, especially those relying on last-minute bookings, expressed concern that they might miss out on Tatkal availability due to the supposed revision. However, railway officials were quick to clarify that the document was not authentic. “This is not a valid circular issued by Indian Railways. We urge passengers not to fall prey to such misinformation,” said an IRCTC spokesperson.
Stick To Trusted Sources For Railway Updates
With millions depending on India’s vast railway network each day, even minor misinformation can lead to major confusion. The Indian Railways reiterated that Tatkal ticket timings have not been altered and advised passengers to stay informed through proper channels.
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To avoid falling victim to online hoaxes, always verify such updates through IRCTC’s official platforms or reach out to the railway enquiry services. For those planning urgent travel, the Tatkal scheme remains unchanged, so you can book your tickets confidently, as always.
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