Railway rule references

Railway notices behind the planning tools

Dated official notices relevant to advance reservation, Tatkal preparation and chart estimates, with practical next steps.

Last updated: 3 October 2026

Advance reservation: effective 1 November 2024

The Ministry of Railways notice dated 17 October 2024 reduced the general window to 60 days, with exceptions. Use the booking-date calculator with the correct train-origin date and check the actual service before planning payment.

Tatkal authentication: July 2025 changes

The 11 June 2025 notice introduced Aadhaar-authenticated online users from 1 July and online Aadhaar OTP from 15 July. Prepare account access in advance and follow the current steps shown by IRCTC; RailQ does not perform identity verification.

Chart estimates: check the actual status

The linked Central Railway notice from July 2025 explains earlier first-chart preparation. A calculator gives a planning time, not proof that your chart is ready. Use the PNR chart status and the relevant charting location for a boarding decision.

Railway notices behind the planning tools: how to use the result

Check the scope before applying a notice

Read the publication date, effective date, service and booking channel. An older notice can still explain a calculator’s assumptions, but this page is not a complete live bulletin of disruptions or every railway circular. Verify the rule for your selected service at booking.

Official references

Examples are illustrative. If you find an error, send the page address and a source for the correction. Corrections process

Railway rule references: questions and corrections

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