Railways tweak Tatkal rules to check misuse

New Delhi, June 29 (IANS) Concerned over large-scale complaints in the sale of Tatkal (emergency travel) tickets, the railways Friday announced changes in the procedure and timing of their sale.

It was decided that from July 10, the booking of tickets will start at 10 a.m. instead of 8 a.m. at present.

The railways also decided that no authorised agents, including those of the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation, will be allowed to book Tatkal tickets in the first two hours -- from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, said a statement from the Railway Board.

The existing restriction on agents booking general tickets on the opening day from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. will also continue, it said.

Officials said while there was a huge passenger demand on the Tatkal system during the first few minutes after the booking counters open at 8 a.m., the role of touts has been bothering the ministry despite many steps to curb the menace.