Indian Railways constitutes one of the most widely used means of transport for millions of Indians. With hordes thronging its stations, railway tickets are difficult to come by within short notice or during peak tourist seasons. Indian Railways has come up with Tatkal Quota, which was later on in 2014 outpinned with Premium Tatkal Quota or PT, providing passengers a chance to get tickets at the last moment, though at a higher price than usual.
Premium Tatkal PT is a dynamic fare-based ticket booking scheme, with its fare upgrades corresponding to the growing demand for tickets. In this blog, we look into all that you would want to know about Premium Tatkal, the booking of tickets, the differences between Tatkal and Premium Tatkal, refund policies, and tips on increasing your opportunities for securing a seat.
Contents
- What is Premium Tatkal?
- Step-by-Step Procedure to Book Premium Tatkal Tickets
- Difference Between Tatkal and Premium Tatkal
- Important Rules for Premium Tatkal
- Refund Policy for Premium Tatkal
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Tips for Booking Premium Tatkal Tickets Successfully
- Contacting IRCTC for Premium Tatkal Queries
- Conclusion
What is Premium Tatkal?
Premium Tatkal is an exclusive quota introduced by Indian Railways where a certain number of seats are reserved for passengers who need last-minute tickets. This quota operates with a dynamic fare pricing model, meaning the ticket prices rise as demand increases, similar to the airline pricing system.
Features of Premium Tatkal:
- Dynamic Pricing: The fare is not fixed. The more tickets that are sold, the higher the price will be.
- Booking Window: Premium Tatkal booking opens one day before the journey at 10:00 AM for AC classes and 11:00 AM for non-AC classes.
- No RAC/Waitlist: It only issues tickets that have been confirmed under this quota. RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) or Waitlist tickets are unavailable.
- No Concessions: There are no concessions for any category of passengers, including children and senior citizens.
- Non-Refundable: Once a Premium Tatkal ticket is confirmed, it cannot be canceled for a refund except in very limited circumstances.
Difference Between Tatkal and Premium Tatkal
| Feature | Tatkal Quota | Premium Tatkal Quota |
|---|---|---|
| Fare Structure | Fixed fare based on class | Dynamic fare increases with demand |
| Booking Platform | Online & Ticket Counters | Only through IRCTC website |
| RAC Booking Time (AC Classes) | 10:00 AM (One day before journey) | 10:00 AM (One day before journey) |
| Booking Time (Non-AC) | 11:00 AM (one day prior to journey) | 11:00 AM (one day prior to journey) |
| Concessions | Applicable (for senior citizens, etc.) | Not applicable |
| Refund Policy | Refundable with cancellation fees | No refund except for special cases |
| Availability | Across most trains | Only selected trains |
| RAC/Waitlist | Available | Not available |
| Booking via Agents | Allowed | Not allowed |
Step-by-Step Procedure to Book Premium Tatkal Tickets
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Step 1: Login to the IRCTC Website
Login to the IRCTC website using your username and password.
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Step 2: Proceed to the "Plan My Travel" Section
In the "Plan My Travel" section, insert the departure station and destination station. Select the Travel Date, and then click Submit.
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Step 3: Choose Premium Tatkal Quota
As soon as the list of available trains is displayed, click on the Premium Tatkal option next to the "Select Quota" dropdown. This will show the trains where Premium Tatkal seats are available.
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Step 4: Choose Your Train
From the list of trains, choose your desired train based on its availability and class (AC or non-AC).
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Step 5: Enter Passenger Details
Enter all the passenger details exactly as mentioned in the identity proof. The acceptable IDs are Voter ID, PAN card, or any other government-issued ID. Ensure the details match the ID card you will carry during the journey.
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Step 6: Quick Booking
As the Premium Tatkal fare increases steeply, the booking must be completed as early as possible to catch the lowest fare.
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Step 7: Payment
Proceed to payment and select your preferred payment method (Credit Card, Debit Card, UPI, etc.).
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Step 8: Print or Save the E-Ticket
After the booking is confirmed, you will receive an E-ticket. You can either print the ticket or save the e-copy on your phone.
Important Rules for Premium Tatkal
- Booking Period: The Advance Reservation Period (ARP) of Premium Tatkal is the same as Tatkal, that is, tickets can be booked one day in advance before traveling.
- No Agents: Booking through agents is not permitted for Premium Tatkal. Only individual passengers can book tickets via the IRCTC website.
- Dynamic Fare: The fare fluctuates based on the number of bookings. As more tickets are booked, the fare increases.
- No Refund on Cancellation: Cancellations are non-refundable. However, certain conditions like train diversions may make passengers eligible for a refund.
- Children Charged Full Fare: In Premium Tatkal, children are also charged full fare like adults, and no concessions are applied.
- Documentation Proof Requirement: At least one passenger must carry an original ID proof that was used at the time of booking. Failure to present it will attract penalties or ejection from the train.
Refund Policy for Premium Tatkal
| Scenario | Refund Availability |
|---|---|
| Train diverted, and passenger does not travel | Full refund possible |
| Source or destination station not covered due to diversion | Full refund available |
| Passenger downgraded to a lower class and refuses to travel | Full refund available |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are Premium Tatkal tickets available for booking at a railway station ticket counter?
No, Premium Tatkal tickets are only available online through the IRCTC website or mobile app. Booking is not allowed at railway counters.
What is dynamic pricing in Premium Tatkal?
Dynamic pricing means that the fare of Premium Tatkal tickets increases with demand. The more tickets that are booked, the higher the fare goes.
Can I cancel my Premium Tatkal ticket and get a refund?
No, Premium Tatkal tickets are non-refundable. Refunds are only made under specific circumstances, like train diversions or unavailability of reserved classes.
Are agents allowed to book Premium Tatkal tickets?
No, premium Tatkal tickets are not allowed to be booked by agents. It is strictly available for individual passengers on the IRCTC website for booking.
What are the reservation hours for Premium Tatkal tickets?
Premium Tatkal booking opens one day before the journey. For AC classes, the booking starts at 10:00 AM, and for non-AC classes, it starts at 11:00 AM.
Can I get RAC or waitlisted tickets in Premium Tatkal?
No, RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) and waitlisted tickets are not available in the Premium Tatkal quota. Only tickets in confirmed reservation are issued.
What happens if my train is diverted?
If your train is diverted and you decline to travel, you are entitled to a full refund of your Premium Tatkal ticket.
Can I avail any concessions for senior citizens or children in Premium Tatkal?
No, concessions are not available in Premium Tatkal. Even children are charged full fare under this quota.
Tips for Booking Premium Tatkal Tickets Successfully
- Login Early: Login to the IRCTC website at least 15 minutes before the booking window opens to save precious time.
- Use Fast Payment Methods: Use faster payment methods, like UPI or Net Banking, to ensure faster booking and avoid fare hikes.
- Use Multiple Devices: If you're traveling in a group, use multiple devices to try booking tickets simultaneously to increase your chance of getting a seat.
- Verify Train Availability: The train you book must offer Premium Tatkal tickets. Not every train has this quota.
Contacting IRCTC for Premium Tatkal Queries
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Customer Care Numbers | 07553934141, 07556610661 |
| Email for General Inquiries | care@irctc.co.in |
| Email for Ticket Cancellation | etickets@irctc.co.in |
Conclusion
Booking Premium Tatkal tickets can be a lifesaver for travelers needing last-minute reservations. However, the dynamic fare system makes it crucial to act fast. Follow the steps mentioned above to increase your chances of booking a ticket at the lowest possible fare. Make sure to log in early, use quick payment methods, and keep all relevant documents handy. Keep in mind the non-refundable policy and limited special circumstances for refunds. By understanding the rules, policies, and procedures of Premium Tatkal, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free booking experience for your urgent travel needs.