Indian Railways Introduces Last-Minute Ticket Booking for Vande Bharat Express Passengers

Indian Railways has introduced a major upgrade for passengers traveling by Vande Bharat Express . For the first time, travellers can book confirmed train tickets online up to 15 minutes before the scheduled departure. This facility aims to provide greater flexibility, ensure better seat utilisation, and accommodate last-minute travel plans. Initially, the option is available on select trains operating under the Southern Railway zone, covering Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.

What Makes This New Facility Important

Earlier, ticket bookings for most long-distance trains closed several hours before departure, leaving many passengers dependent on waitlists or alternative modes of transport. With this update, Indian Railways has modernized its Passenger Reservation System (PRS) to support real-time bookings just minutes before a train leaves the origin station. This move not only benefits passengers but also helps in reducing vacant seats on premium services like Vande Bharat Express.

Eligible Vande Bharat Express Trains

Currently, this facility is limited to eight specific Vande Bharat Express trains under Southern Railway. These include:

• 20631 Mangaluru Central – Thiruvananthapuram Central
• 20632 Thiruvananthapuram Central – Mangaluru Central
• 20627 Chennai Egmore – Nagercoil
• 20628 Nagercoil – Chennai Egmore
• 20642 Coimbatore – Bengaluru Cantt.
• 20646 Mangaluru Central – Madgaon
• 20671 Madurai – Bengaluru Cantt.
• 20677 Dr MGR Chennai Central – Vijayawada

Passengers boarding from both originating and en route stations on these routes can take advantage of this last-minute booking facility.

Step-by-Step Guide to Book Vande Bharat Tickets Online

Booking tickets under this new system is simple and user-friendly. Here’s the process:

1. Visit the IRCTC platform – Go to www.irctc.co.in or use the official IRCTC Rail Connect mobile app.
2. Log in or sign up – Enter your IRCTC user ID and password or create a new account if you do not have one.
3. Enter journey details – Provide your boarding station, destination, date of travel, and select “Vande Bharat Express.”
4. Check real-time availability – The system will display all vacant seats updated instantly.
5. Choose travel class – Select Executive Class or Chair Car, depending on availability and preference.
6. Make payment – Complete the transaction through UPI, debit card, credit card, or net banking.
7. Receive e-ticket – The ticket confirmation will be sent immediately via SMS and email.

Benefits of Last-Minute Booking

The last-minute booking option offers several advantages for both passengers and Indian Railways.

• Flexibility for sudden plans: Ideal for passengers who need to travel urgently.
• Higher seat utilisation: Reduces the number of unoccupied seats.
• No additional charges: Fares remain the same as regular booking.
• Convenient process: Available both online and at PRS counters.
• Faster boarding: With digital tickets, passengers can board without delays.

Key Things Passengers Should Know

• Availability is limited to eight trains in Southern Railway for now, but expansion is likely in future.
• No extra fees are charged for booking at the last minute.
• Standard cancellation rules apply if you decide to cancel.
• Offline booking possible: PRS counters also support this feature.
• Best for short-notice travel: Especially useful for professionals and frequent travellers.

Future of Train Ticketing in India

This initiative is part of Indian Railways’ broader plan to digitize services and improve passenger convenience. Real-time seat allocation not only enhances the passenger experience but also maximises revenue efficiency. If successful, this facility may soon be extended to other premium trains across India.

The introduction of last-minute booking on Vande Bharat Express trains is a game changer for rail passengers. By allowing confirmed tickets to be booked up to 15 minutes before departure, Indian Railways has made travel more flexible and efficient. Currently available on selected routes, the facility offers ease, affordability, and better utilisation of premium train services. As this system expands, more travellers across India will be able to enjoy seamless last-minute bookings without worrying about seat availability.