Can We Book Premium Tatkal Tickets Online?
Tatkal tickets are an excellent way to book train tickets for your journey at the last minute. With the Indian railways launching Tatkal booking services, passengers can now book tickets even a day before the date of travel. However, the Indian railways also offer a premium Tatkal quota for passengers who need a confirmed reservation and are willing to pay a higher fare.
The question that arises is, can we book premium Tatkal tickets online? In this article, we explore this query in detail, so let’s begin by understanding what a premium Tatkal ticket is.
What is a Premium Tatkal Ticket?
The Indian railways offer a premium Tatkal quota for passengers who need a confirmed reservation at the last minute. The fares for these tickets are higher than the regular Tatkal tickets and are calculated based on a dynamic pricing model. The cost of a premium Tatkal ticket starts at 30% more than the base fare and increases by 10% with every 10% of seats sold, with the maximum fare limit being up to 1.5 times the base fare of the train.
The premium Tatkal quota is available on select trains and routes and is subject to availability. The booking of a premium Tatkal ticket can be done online or offline through the IRCTC website or at any railway reservation counter.
How to Book a Premium Tatkal Ticket Online?
The process for booking a premium Tatkal ticket online is similar to that of regular Tatkal ticket booking. The premium Tatkal quota opens two days in advance of the date of journey, and passengers can book these tickets online through the IRCTC website or mobile app.
Here are the steps to follow to book a premium Tatkal ticket online:
Step 1: Login to the IRCTC Website
Visit the IRCTC website and log in using your credentials. If you do not have an account, create one by following the registration process.
Step 2: Enter the Required Details
Enter the journey details such as the source and destination stations, date of travel, and class of travel. Select the premium Tatkal quota option under the “Quota” section and click on “Search.”
Step 3: Select the Train and Class of Travel
A list of trains that are available under the premium Tatkal quota will be displayed. Select the train and the class of travel for which you want to book a premium Tatkal ticket.
Step 4: Choose the Boarding Station and Click on “Book Now.”
Select the boarding station and click on “Book Now.”
Step 5: Enter the Passenger Details and Make the Payment
Next, enter the passenger details and proceed to make the payment through any of the available payment modes. Once the payment process is complete, the premium Tatkal ticket will be booked.
Things to Keep in Mind While Booking a Premium Tatkal Ticket Online
Here are some essential things that you should keep in mind while booking a premium Tatkal ticket online:
- Book in advance: It is advisable to book the premium Tatkal ticket as soon as the quota opens to avoid last-minute rush.
- Confirm the availability: Before booking a premium Tatkal ticket, check the availability status to ensure that the tickets are available for the selected train and class.
- Choose the right train: The premium Tatkal quota is available on select trains and routes. Ensure that you select the train that is available under the premium Tatkal quota.
- Carry a valid ID proof: It is mandatory to carry a valid ID proof while boarding the train. Ensure that you carry a valid ID proof that matches the passenger details mentioned on the ticket.
Conclusion
The Indian railways offer a premium Tatkal quota for passengers who need to book a confirmed reservation at the last minute. The booking of a premium Tatkal ticket can be done online through the IRCTC website and mobile app. While booking a premium Tatkal ticket, ensure that you keep in mind the essential things mentioned in this article to make the process hassle-free.
Booking a premium Tatkal ticket online is a convenient and efficient way to secure a confirmed reservation even in the last minute, albeit at a higher fare.