India: A record online train ticket bookings of Indian Railways took place that 13.45 lakh tickets were sold out for a new rule that is added on April 1.

A new rule added to Indian Railways yesterday that passengers need to book tickets 120 days in advance and it is recorded as 13.45 lakh rail tickets were sold out on the first day.

It is now that passengers need to book tickets online before 120 days in advance rather than 60 days.

Inidan Railways have extended the advance reservation period to 120 days. This is introduced in order to deal with the malaise of touts cornering bulk tickets that are being sold everyday online.

“The decision for increase of advance reservation period from two months to four months was taken to prevent touts to corner bulk tickets,” said a senior Railway Ministry official.

He added that the this four-month window, 120 days helps passengers to plan their vacations well in advance, hence no problem will be there for government and passengers too.

Reports from the official clearly say that a total number of 13,45,496 rail tickets including 1,25,790 Tatkal were booked online through IRCTC website. These tickets are for around 32,16,039 passengers and they were booked on the first day of this month only in 120 days advance for their plan.

This is the highest record in IRCTC ticket registrations that more than 13 lakh tickets sold out in one day. It was an average of 5 lakh tickets per day.

For this, the total amount collection was Rs. 2,50,6552,814 and for this amount, service charge will be Rs. 43,033,947.

Complete Details are given below

Total Amount Collection: Rs. 2,50,6552,814

Service Charge: Rs. 43,033,947

Service Charge per Ticket

• Sleeper Class and Second Class Sitting: Rs. 20
• AC Class: Rs. 40

Total Cancelled Bookings: 1,74,871

Total Cancelled Amount: Rs. 22,29,52,969

Tatkal bookings:

• 2,89,176 between 8 AM and 9 AM
• 1,86,519 between 10 AM and 11 AM

It was said that service charges are doubled from previous to April 1. Amd the railways banned the travel agents from booking online Tatkal tickets from 8 AM to 12 noon.

It is also said that for day time express trains like Taj Express, Gomti Express and special trains, the 120-day advance booking rule will not be applicable.