Indian Railway New ARP (Advance Reservation Period) IRCTC

Indian Railway New ARP (Advance Reservation Period) IRCTC

LEAVE it to Ministry of Railways to flummox its travellers. In its latest missive, the Railways has halved the advance reservation period (ARP), from 120 to 60 days. The new rule comes into effect from May 1. 2013, excluding the date of journey. Just a year back the ARP was increased from 90 to 120 days, that time the in-charge of Rail Bhawan was a different man. And now when new rule is notified the rein of Ministry is with different political party.

Cancellation rule, however, has not been tinkered with and it remains unchanged. Mean, tickets purchased in as per current ARP of 120 days can be cancelled alter new ticket booking rules comes into effect.

As indicated by Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal in his budget speech, the new ARP rule is aimed at curbing the men ace of touts. But. Railways know how to justify each of its new step and pass it on as "one in the interest of travellers."

However, if studied minutely, it seems Railway Board has bend backward to accommodate each of the new missives of its ever new bosses.

Earlier, while revising ARP from 90 to 120 days, the Railway justification was. it helps in planning for deployment of trains on basis of advance information about travel plans.

Now. that very decision stands rescinded when touts started cornering reserved tick-els leaving last minute travellers in a fix. The ARP was extended to 120 days from March 10. 2012. Has Railways now realised its folly or just sailing with the Minister's desire.

But not many know the logic of increasing ARP to 120 enabled Railways to sit on pile of money of travellers for a long period. That was also the logic during decision taken in year 2007-08 when ARP was increased from 60 to 90 days. The Railways logic was quite simple, it benefited either way. during booking and also during cancellation, as there was hefty cancellation charge which traveller paid.