Booking a Confirmed (CNF) Ticket in Indian Railways is no easy feat. Especially during peak timings like Office Hours and Festival Rush. When there is a huge passenger surge and seat availability becomes scarce, getting a reservation becomes a Herculean task.
In this article we will talk about Seat Availability and some tips and tricks to secure a Confirmed berth.
Seat Availability
What is Seat Availability?
Seat Availability is a feature of Indian Railways where we can find the number of seats available across different berths of a train, at a particular date between two specific stations.
In simple words, Seat Availability means number of available seats on a train. This can change due to a number of factors like train cancellation and chart preparation. Tracking this tool is essential in ensuring that the booking is Confirmed.
How to check Seat Availability?
You can easily check Seat Availability using RailMitra website as well as the dedicated application available on both Android and iOS. Follow these simple steps:
- Go to RailMitra.com or download the application.
- Click on Seat Availability.
- Enter Train Name/Number.
- Enter From Station: Station where you board the train.
- Enter To Station: Station where you de-board the train.
- Enter Boarding Date.
- Select Class.
- Click on Get Seat Availability.
The seat availability of the selected class of the train would be displayed.
How to Secure a Confirmed Berth
Booking a Confirmed Berth in Indian Railways is difficult, but not impossible. By following certain tips and tricks you can make the ticket getting process easy, here are some of them:
Early booking
Railways allow booking of tickets 60 days prior to the boarding date. If possible try booking as early as possible. The earlier you book the tickets, the higher the chances are of getting the ticket confirmed.
Check Train Timings
Train Timings can play a huge role on your ticket’s booking status. There is a huge rush on certain train timings like in the morning and evening. These are commute time for office going folks and Seat Availability will be scarce.
When the train timings coincide with festivals or other popular gatherings, Seat Availability again becomes insufficient. If one avoids such high rush timings, chances of Ticket Confirmation increases.
Tatkal and Premium Tatkal
If you check the Seat Availability and it shows all seats booked, then what should we do? Can we still board the train with a Confirmed Ticket? The answer is Yes. Indian Railways allows a small window for ticket booking just before the departure.
Use the Tatkal scheme to book tickets one day before the date of departure. Booking for AC classes begins at 10AM, while for Sleeper Classes it begins at 11AM. Tickets get sold out in seconds. So be careful of timings.
You can book tickets using the Premium Tatkal as well. It is similar to Tatkal, but costlier and has a higher chance of ticket confirmation.
Find Where is My Train
If you haven’t been able to book a confirmed ticket and are stuck at being Waitlisted, you should check Where is My Train feature. This feature provides the live station of the train in real time.
Most of the cancellations happen just before departure. You should check Seat Availability once the train is near your Boarding Station. Your Waitlist Number might decrease and the booking gets confirmed. So don’t forget to check Where is My Train feature, just before the train's departure.
Conclusion
Using these techniques, you can significantly enhance your chances of booking a Confirmed ticket. It is best if you book your ticket early. There is no better advice than that.
But if you weren’t able to book your ticket then, there is no need for worry. Several options like Tatkal and Premium Tatkal are available that can help you out. If none of these works out and you just need to get on the train, book a General ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I check my seat availability?
Ans: You can check your Seat Availability easily through the use of RailMitra website as well as application. Go to RailMitra.com, select Seat Availability. Enter Train Name/Number, To Station, From Station, Boarding Station and Select Class. Click on Get Seat Availability.
- How long before departure can I book the ticket?
Ans: You can book 60 days before the departure of a train. Earlier, the period was 120 days but it has now been revised to 60 days only.
- What if I don't get confirmed status for an online ticket?
Ans: Boarding on the train is not allowed. Tickets will be automatically cancelled and the refund will be deposited on the account.
- What if I don't get confirmed status for an offline ticket?
Ans: Boarding on the train will not be permitted. The ticket counter needs to be visited for cancellation and only then the refund deposition process will be initiated.
- What is the best time to book a ticket?
Ans: It is best to book tickets as early as possible. Also try to avoid booking tickets during rush hours, as for example during Office Timings or during festivals.
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