The record
Written from the 1 report below. Nothing here is unsourced.
- Indian Railways' West Central Railway zone will introduce a token system for Tatkal counter bookings from August 1, 2026, to reduce crowding, stampedes and touting at reservation counters.
- Tokens will be distributed well before booking opens — between 8:30 and 9:00 am for AC class (booking at 10:00 am) and between 9:30 and 10:00 am for sleeper class (booking at 11:00 am).
- Each counter will issue a maximum of 10 tokens for AC tickets and 15 for sleeper/non-AC tickets, and passengers must show original ID proof like Aadhaar, voter ID or driving licence, with their name recorded on the token.
- The railways say this will bring transparency, let passengers wait comfortably instead of standing in queues, and prevent touts or agents from taking tokens on others' behalf.
What to watch next
- Whether other railway zones adopt the same token system after West Central Railway's rollout.
- Whether touts find ways around the name-recorded token and ID verification rules.
- How the per-counter token caps (10 for AC, 15 for sleeper) affect ticket availability for passengers who arrive late.
Coverage1
1 report
Indian-language1
All filed from India
Named India · Bhopal · Jabalpur · Kota · Indian Railways · West Central Railway Zone
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