Railways came across many requests from foreign tourists that the train tickets were being sold one year in advance and many who plan their tour a little late were unable to get them. In response, Railways has decided to delink the special privilege tickets, which allowed booking 365 days prior, from Foreign Tourists Quota (FTQ).
Tickets under the FTQ will be decided by Zonal Railways, depending on the demand in that particular section and advance booking will be opened 120 days before and not 365, from the date of travel.
“Once the foreign tourists register their demand, they will be allotted berths when advance ticket booking (120 days before) is opened. So far, if booking demand exceeds berths earmarked under special privilege category, foreign tourists are allotted berths under Foreign Tourists Quota (FTQ). This will now be changed,” said a senior Railway official.
As per the new changes, the last request registered will be honoured, even if the limit is exceeded. “If the last request received is for six passengers and there is scope for allotting tickets for three passengers, then the limit is to be extended by three berths. However, thereafter, no more demands should be accepted,’’ said the official.
The move will ensure that foreigners who book their tickets on the opening day of advance booking (four months in advance), will now get the berths, explained the officer. Foreigners can book the tickets with the help of passport number, nationality and international mobile number. They will uniformly be charged at 1.5 times the base fare and Rs. 200 extra will be charged by IRCTC per ticket.
