IRCTC premium special trains: All about pricing, reservation, and more
IRCTC (Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation) introduced premium special trains to offer accommodation to passengers at short notice, even on the busiest routes of Indian railways. Notably, for these trains, a dynamic pricing structure is used, under which ticket prices are determined based on booking rates and seat availability. This implies that with higher demand and lower seat-availability, prices are bound to soar.
About method of booking, time period, and pricing
The only way to book tickets in the premium special trains of Indian Railways is through the IRCTC's official website or app only. Reservations for these trains open only 15 days prior to the date of journey. Additionally, as more and more bookings are made, and the journey date approaches, the fares keep going higher. So, you better plan your trips in advance!
About producing identity card, agent bookings, and wait-list tickets
Also, at the time of making a booking, identity card number of the prescribed proof of identity is required. And, the ticket bookings are allowed in the general quota only. Apart from that, agents are not allowed to book tickets on premium special trains. Additionally, wait-list ticket bookings are also not permitted on these trains.
Rules about cancellations and concessions on premium special train bookings
No cancellations, per se, are permitted on premium special train ticket bookings. However, a booking can be cancelled in the event of a train cancellation. Further, no special concessions for categories like senior citizens, are permitted on bookings in such trains. Notably, vacant berths, if any, at the time of charting, are made available for current bookings at booking counters of originating stations.
