Bhopal: July 24, 2026
In a significant move aimed at enhancing passenger convenience, ensuring greater transparency, and curbing the activities of unauthorized ticket agents, the Bhopal Division of West Central Railway will implement a new token-based system for Tatkal ticket reservations across all reservation centres from August 1, 2026.
Under the revised system, passengers seeking Tatkal tickets will be issued tokens during designated time slots. Tokens for AC Tatkal reservations will be distributed between 8:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., while Non-AC Tatkal reservation tokens will be issued from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Each reservation counter will initially issue a maximum of 10 AC tokens and 15 Non-AC tokens. However, the competent authority may increase or decrease the number of tokens depending on local conditions and passenger demand.
Two-Tier Priority System
The new arrangement introduces two categories of priority for Tatkal bookings:
Priority ‘A’ – Self and Immediate Family Members
Passengers booking Tatkal tickets for themselves or their immediate family members—grandparents, parents, siblings, children, or spouse—will be given Priority ‘A’. Applicants must submit the following documents:
– For self-booking: A self-attested copy of the applicant’s Aadhaar Card or any other photo identity document accepted by the Railways.
– For booking on behalf of a family member:
– A self-attested copy of the representative’s Aadhaar Card.
– A self-attested copy of the Aadhaar Card or any Railway-approved photo identity document of the travelling family member.
– If the above documents do not establish the family relationship, a self-attested copy of a valid government document proving the relationship, such as a ration card, family medical card, or any other official family record.
Priority ‘B’ – Other Applicants
Applicants who do not fall under Priority ‘A’ will be placed in Priority ‘B’. They must provide:
– A self-attested copy of the Aadhaar Card or any other Railway-approved photo identity document of the person submitting the reservation request.
– A self-attested copy of the Aadhaar Card or any other Railway-approved photo identity document of the passenger for whom the reservation is being made, bearing the passenger’s signature.
Token Allocation Process
Tokens will be issued strictly according to the prescribed priority. All passengers under Priority ‘A’ will be served first, followed by those in Priority ‘B’. Every token will carry the designated reservation counter number, and its details will be recorded in an official register to prevent multiple token collection by the same individual and to effectively monitor touting activities.
Tokens will be non-transferable, and only the person to whom the token has been issued will be eligible to obtain the Tatkal ticket at the assigned reservation counter.
After all token holders have been served, any remaining Tatkal tickets, subject to availability, will be booked through the existing “first come, first served” system.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Saurabh Kataria said the new mechanism marks an important step towards providing a more transparent, organized, and passenger-friendly Tatkal reservation process. He also urged passengers to follow the prescribed procedure and avoid dealing with unauthorized agents or middlemen while booking Tatkal tickets.
