The Indian Railways has revamped the tatkal scheme amid increased complaints from passengers about touts making good of the loopholes in the schemes and selling tatkal tickets at a premium.
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.
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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. u00a0