NEW DELHI: A new provision for booking tickets has been declared by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). According to this new regulation, 30 minutes before the scheduled departure of trains, a second reservation map will be prepared. Earlier, during the pandemic time, for the convenience of the passengers, the map was prepared two hours before the departure of the train. Only the first map was planned before the pandemic, four hours before departure. Online passengers or visiting passenger reservation system (PRS) counters could book the remaining seats. On a first-come-first-serve basis, individuals were given seats. The latest system improvements would add to the comfort of those travellers who might have to deal with changes to the last-minute schedule. It will encourage those who have a last-minute change of schedule to book or cancel tickets before planning the second map.

Here's how you can book tickets from IRCTC:

Step 1: Go on the official website at irctc.co.in/nget/train-search

Step 2: Now, put in details — your source, destination, journey date, class of coach etc

Step 3: Click on 'Find Trains' option

Step 4: Select a train

Step 5: Click on ‘Availability option and fare journey’

Step 6: Now, berth fare, including number of seats available on a desired date, will be displayed

Step 7: Click on ‘Book Now’ once you have finalised your train and seat

Step 8: Login to your IRCTC account by using your credentials

Step 9: Fill in your details

Step 10: Pay the fare. Your seats will be booked.