As an avid traveler and a frequent user of the Indian Railways, I often find myself booking train tickets in advance to secure a seat on my preferred trains. Two terms that often pop up during the booking process are “Tatkal” and “Premium Tatkal.” While both options provide a way to book tickets on short notice, there are significant differences between them. In this blog, I’ll dive into the distinctions between Tatkal and Premium Tatkal to help you make an informed choice for your next train journey.
What is Tatkal Ticket?
Tatkal, which translates to “immediately” in Hindi, is a service introduced by the Indian Railways to allow passengers to book train tickets on short notice. Tatkal tickets are particularly beneficial for those who need to travel urgently or haven’t been able to secure a ticket through the regular reservation system.
Here are the key features of Tatkal tickets:
- Booking Window: Tatkal tickets can be booked one day in advance of the train’s scheduled departure. For example, if your train is scheduled to depart on the 15th of a month, Tatkal bookings for that train will open on the 14th.
- Timing: The Tatkal booking window opens at 10:00 AM for AC classes and 11:00 AM for non-AC classes. It’s essential to log in or visit a railway reservation counter at these specific times to secure your Tatkal ticket.
- Quota: A certain number of seats on each train are allocated for Tatkal bookings. Once these Tatkal quota seats are filled, you’ll need to try for a Premium Tatkal ticket or look for alternative trains.
- Higher Fare: Tatkal tickets come with a higher fare compared to regular tickets. The fare is dynamic and can increase as the available seats in the Tatkal quota decrease.
- Identity Proof: Passengers booking Tatkal tickets are required to provide identity proof, and the same ID must be carried during the journey.
What is a Premium Tatkal Ticket?
Premium Tatkal is a relatively newer concept introduced by the Indian Railways to offer passengers more options for booking last-minute train tickets. It is an enhanced version of the Tatkal service, with some distinct features:
- Booking Window: The Premium Tatkal booking window opens one day in advance, just like Tatkal. However, Premium Tatkal tickets are typically available for trains departing from major stations and are subject to availability.
- Fare Structure: Premium Tatkal tickets come with a dynamic fare structure, similar to Tatkal. The fare increases as more tickets are booked for the Premium Tatkal quota. However, the fare for Premium Tatkal tickets tends to be higher than regular Tatkal tickets.
- Timing: The exact opening time for Premium Tatkal bookings may vary depending on the train and its route. It’s essential to check the specific opening time for your intended journey.
- Quota: Premium Tatkal quotas are limited and vary from train to train. These quotas are often available for AC classes, such as 2AC and 3AC.
- Identity Proof: Just like with Tatkal, passengers booking Premium Tatkal tickets need to provide identity proof and carry the same ID during the journey.
Key Differences
Now that we’ve covered the basics of both Tatkal and Premium Tatkal, let’s highlight the key differences between the two:
- Fare: Premium Tatkal tickets tend to have a higher base fare compared to Tatkal tickets, making them a more expensive option for last-minute travelers.
- Availability: Premium Tatkal is available for select trains and routes, mainly major ones, whereas Tatkal is more widely accessible across the Indian Railways network.
- Timing: The opening time for Premium Tatkal bookings can vary by train, so it’s essential to check the specific time for your desired journey.
- Quota: While both Tatkal and Premium Tatkal have limited quotas, the Premium Tatkal quota is often smaller and primarily focused on AC classes.
- Purpose: Tatkal is suitable for travelers who need to book tickets on short notice for a wide range of trains, while Premium Tatkal is designed for passengers who prefer or need to travel in AC classes and are willing to pay a higher fare.
How to Book Tatkal Tickets?
Do you want to know how to book tatkal train tickets online? AC and sleeper class Tatkal tickets can be booked online through redRail by redBus. redRail makes IRCTC tatkal booking simple and painless. It is an IRCTC-approved platform for booking Tatkal tickets one day in advance. Here’s how to go about it:
Visit the redRail app or website one day before the desired train’s departure date from the origin station.
Step 1: Enter the departure and arrival railway stations.
Step 2: Enter your departure date and click on the ‘Search’ button.
Step 3: You will be presented the available Tatkal tickets.
Step 4: Enter your IRCTC ID and traveler information. Per PNR, you can book up to four Tatkal tickets.
Step 5: Select a payment method.
Step 6: Enter your IRCTC password to finalize the booking.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tatkal and Premium Tatkal are valuable services offered by the Indian Railways to accommodate last-minute travelers. The choice between the two depends on factors such as your budget, class preference, and the specific train you plan to travel on. Regardless of your choice, both services provide a convenient way to secure train tickets even when time is running short, ensuring that you can embark on your journey with ease. You can easily book train tickets online on redRail, visit or download the redRail app now.