Travelling by train is an important part of life for many people in India. It is a convenient, affordable and comfortable way of getting around. However, booking a train ticket is not always as simple as it seems. One of the most common issues that people encounter is not being able to book a ticket for their desired journey due to a lack of availability. This is where the Tatkal scheme comes in. Tatkal is a system that allows passengers to book tickets at the last minute, usually one day before the journey. But can you travel on a Tatkal waiting list ticket?
What is a Tatkal Waiting List Ticket?
A Tatkal waiting list ticket is a ticket for which the booking is made at the last minute. This ticket is issued when all the seats on a particular train are filled and it is not possible to book a confirmed ticket. In this case, the ticketing system will issue a Tatkal waiting list ticket. This ticket will have the same fare as a confirmed ticket and it will be valid up to the end of the journey. However, the passenger will not be able to board the train until their ticket is confirmed. This is done on a first-come-first-served basis and the number of tickets that can be issued in this manner is limited.
What Happens if Your Tatkal Waiting List Ticket is Not Confirmed?
If a Tatkal waiting list ticket is not confirmed, then the passenger will not be able to board the train. They will have to cancel the ticket and get a refund from the ticketing system. The refund amount will depend on the time of cancellation and the terms and conditions specified by the Indian Railways. If the ticket is cancelled within four hours of the journey, then the passenger will get a full refund.
Can You Travel with a Tatkal Waiting List Ticket?
No, you cannot travel with a Tatkal waiting list ticket. This is because the ticket is not confirmed and you will not be allowed to board the train until it is confirmed. Even if the ticket is confirmed at the last minute, the passenger will not be allowed to board the train if the number of passengers exceeds the limit. This is because the railway authorities need to ensure the safety of the passengers and they cannot allow overcrowding on the train.
What Can You Do if You Have a Tatkal Waiting List Ticket?
If you have a Tatkal waiting list ticket, then the best thing to do is to keep checking the status of the ticket. If the ticket is confirmed, then you can board the train. If the ticket is not confirmed, then you should cancel it and get a refund. You can also try to book a different train with more availability or opt for a different mode of travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is a Tatkal waiting list ticket?
A Tatkal waiting list ticket is a ticket that is issued when all the seats on a particular train are filled and it is not possible to book a confirmed ticket. This ticket will have the same fare as a confirmed ticket and it will be valid up to the end of the journey.
Q2: What happens if your Tatkal waiting list ticket is not confirmed?
If a Tatkal waiting list ticket is not confirmed, then the passenger will not be able to board the train. They will have to cancel the ticket and get a refund from the ticketing system.
Q3: Can you travel with a Tatkal waiting list ticket?
No, you cannot travel with a Tatkal waiting list ticket. This is because the ticket is not confirmed and you will not be allowed to board the train until it is confirmed.
Q4: What can you do if you have a Tatkal waiting list ticket?
If you have a Tatkal waiting list ticket, then the best thing to do is to keep checking the status of the ticket. If the ticket is confirmed, then you can board the train. If the ticket is not confirmed, then you should cancel it and get a refund.
Q5: Is it possible to book a Tatkal ticket?
Yes, it is possible to book a Tatkal ticket. This can be done through the Indian Railways website or through an authorized travel agent.
Q6: How much time do you have to cancel a Tatkal ticket?
You have four hours from the scheduled departure time of the train to cancel your Tatkal ticket. After this time, you will not be able to cancel the ticket and you will not be able to get a refund.
Q7: Can Tatkal tickets be transferred?
No, Tatkal tickets cannot be transferred. The passenger whose name is printed on the ticket must be present at the time of boarding the train.
Q8: Is it possible to book Tatkal tickets on the day of travel?
Yes, it is possible to book Tatkal tickets on the day of travel. This can be done through the Indian Railways website or through an authorized travel agent.
Q9: Is it possible to book Tatkal tickets for more than one person?
Yes, it is possible to book Tatkal tickets for more than one person. However, each person must have their own ticket and each ticket must be booked separately.
Q10: Is it possible to book Tatkal tickets for children?
Yes, it is possible to book Tatkal tickets for children. Children aged 5-12 years can travel on Tatkal tickets with a 50% discount.
Q11: Is it possible to book Tatkal tickets for the elderly?
Yes, it is possible to book Tatkal tickets for the elderly. Senior citizens aged 60 and above can travel on Tatkal tickets with a 50% discount.
Q12: What is the maximum number of Tatkal tickets that can be booked at once?
The maximum number of Tatkal tickets that can be booked at once is six. This is including the tickets for children and senior citizens.
Q13: Is it possible to book Tatkal tickets for different classes of travel?
Yes, it is possible to book Tatkal tickets for different classes of travel. This can be done through the Indian Railways website or through an authorized travel agent.
Q14: Is it possible to book Tatkal tickets for different routes?
Yes, it is possible to book Tatkal tickets for different routes. This can be done through the Indian Railways website or through an authorized travel agent.
Q15: Is it possible to book Tatkal tickets for different stations?
Yes, it is possible to book Tatkal tickets for different stations. This can be done through the Indian Railways website or through an authorized travel agent.
Q16: Is it possible to book Tatkal tickets for foreign nationals?
Yes, it is possible to book Tatkal tickets for foreign nationals. This can be done through the Indian Railways website or through an authorized travel agent.
Q17: Is it possible to book Tatkal tickets in advance?
No, it is not possible to book Tatkal tickets in advance. Tatkal tickets must be booked at least one day before the journey.
Q18: How much time does it take to get a Tatkal ticket?
It usually takes about 15-30 minutes to get a Tatkal ticket. However, this time can vary depending on the time of day, the route, and the availability of tickets.
Q19: Is it possible to book Tatkal tickets online?
Yes, it is possible to book Tatkal tickets online. This can be done through the Indian Railways website or through an authorized travel agent.
Q20: Is it possible to book Tatkal tickets over the phone?
Yes, it is possible to book Tatkal tickets over the phone. This can be done through an authorized travel agent.