India can be tremendously fun to explore by train but it always comes with certain challenges. Another important factor that affects the passengers is the confirmed tickets and food on the train. IRCTC Food Order in Train has improved and helps passengers to get the best food all throughout the day. Whether you get tickets or book Tatkal tickets, food is guaranteed at every station. Well, in this blog, we will discuss about confirmed tickets and chart preparations. So, keep reading this blog to get complete information on tickets and food on train.
Understanding Chart Preparation
Chart Preparation is the process by which Indian Railways finalizes the list of passengers for a specific train. This list is typically prepared: Four hours before departure for trains operating during the day. The night before for trains leaving early in the morning. The chart includes important details like seat numbers, coach allocations, and passenger names. Once the chart is created, the reservation status (Confirmed, RAC, or Waitlisted) is set, and ticket booking through IRCTC or other platforms is generally restricted in most cases.
Also Read: Indian Railway station that is only managed by women
Can You Still Get a Ticket After Chart Preparation?
Yes! When the chart is prepared, there are options, which allow obtaining a confirmed ticket. Let’s explore these methods in detail:
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Current Booking Quota
There is also some percentage of tickets under the current booking quota, which is offered only after the chart is prepared.
How it works:
These tickets are available on a first come first served basis either from counters at the originating station or from IRCTC application.
Key Points to Remember:
- Accessibility depends on the train and the line.
- Current availability check can be done on the IRCTC website under the Current Booking option.
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TATKAL Quota Adjustments
Even after chart preparation, certain Tatkal tickets that have not been sold or which have been cancelled may be rescheduled for allotment.
How to Utilize This Option:
The first thing to do as a passenger is to physically visit the station’s reservation counter soon after the chart is prepared and seek information about Tatkal seats.
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Approach the TTE (Traveling Ticket Examiner)
The TTE is thus very much involved in the allocation of seats that occur once the train has pulled off.
Procedure:
- Board the train and locate the TTE.
- Accept an invitation if any passenger does not arrive for the flight or if he/she declines their seat.
Tips for Success:
- Be polite and explain your situation clearly.
- Carry a valid ticket (even a waitlisted one).
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VIP Quota and Emergency Quota (EQ)
It also provides information about VIP Quota and Emergency Quota for railway employee and other officials and for medical emergencies. The seats which are not utilized from these quotas are offered during or after chart preparation.
How to Avail This Option:
- Make an EQ request to the station master or the officer of the station in anticipation.
- Attach any other relevant document that may be required such as medical certificates in case of an emergency.
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Online Upgrades and Real-Time Availability
There are systems initiated to monitor the availability of real-time upgrades by Indian Railways.
Features to Look For:
Upgrades at the time when there are higher-class seats available for an automatically enhanced rate.
Check online for last-minute cancellations.
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Booking on Running Trains
When it comes to booking tickets on running trains Indian Railways provides this option under some conditions.
Steps to Follow:
- Go to the reservation counter at an intermediate station.
- Request a ticket for the remaining journey.
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Platform Tickets and Onboard Ticket Purchase
Sometimes you can buy a ticket directly from the TTE if you have a valid boarding ticket in the form of a platform ticket.
How to Proceed:
- Buy a platform ticket from the station.
- Explain your case to the TTE onboard.
Important Note:
- There is a possibility to be charged for this method, so it is advisable to stick to this strategy when all other options fail.
How Many times chart is prepared for train?
Indian Railways usually makes two reservation charts:
First Chart
A requirements chart is made four hours prior to the train’s departure. This chart shows the passengers’ names along with any confirmed, RAC (reservation against cancellation), or waitlisted tickets.
Second Chart
The second chart is made around half an hour to 1 hour before the train embarks. It also takes nullified reservations into account and assigns open seats.
Well now you know when is second chart prepared for the train and accordingly you will know you will get tickets or not.
Also Read: Tips to Ensure Hassle-Free Train Journey with On-Time Food Delivery
How to book chart vacancy ticket?
You can buy tickets for open seats after the chart is made through the Current Booking Quota. Here’s how to book chart vacancy ticket in details:
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Buying on IRCTC
- Go to the IRCTC website or app.
- Find the “Chart Vacancy” or “Current Availability” section.
- Pick the train and look for free seats.
- Buy the ticket right away, because these seats go to whoever buys first.
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Buying at the Ticket Window
- Go to the ticket window at the station.
- Ask for tickets in the Current Booking Quota.
- Give info like train number, class, and where you’re going.
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Buying vacant seat in train
- If you can’t buy before the train leaves, you can try to get vacant seat in train.
- Go up to the TTE and ask about vacant seats.
- Present a valid ticket even if it’s on the waitlist or RAC.
- Pay extra if needed.
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Emergency Quota Requests
Some seats are set aside under Emergency Quotas (EQ) to meet specific needs like health emergencies, government workers, or military staff.
- Head to the station manager’s office with the right papers.
- Ask for an emergency quota seat.
Conclusion
Getting a confirmed seat on trains after chart preparation needs instant action with a clear understanding of available choices. Despite chart preparation, you can still obtain a confirmed train seat by working with TTE staff and using existing booking options. Your chances of getting a train seat increase when you take action early and keep yourself updated about train booking possibilities.
Keep watching for additional advice on Indian train travel and develop your approach. After your train bookings, talk to us and call us at 7835992200 or 7827998877 and we help you with your food on the train. We accept small and even bulk orders at every station in India.