Are you planning a summer holiday with family and friends? or attending a family wedding soon? Indian Railways offers a convenient bulk booking facility through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), which allows you to book tickets for large groups. IRCTC’s bulk booking system with Indian Railways can simplify group travel. This is people travelling in groups, for specific reasons like weddings, family vacations, or official tours. Following the rules and procedures for bulk ticket booking will ensure a smooth experience. Bulk booking allows you for multiple IRCTC Rail Ticket Booking and saves time. This service is ideal for occasions like summer holidays, official tours, wedding parties, educational tours, and religious gatherings.
How to Book in Bulk on a Train?
Below are some ways to book train tickets in bulk :
1. Approval for Bulk Booking
- The Chief Reservation Supervisor (CRS) or the shift-in-charge can approve bulk bookings for up to 50 passengers.
- The Area Manager/Assistant Ticket Manager (ATM)/Assistant Commercial Manager (ACM)/Station Master (Gazetted) can book for up to 100 passengers.
- For more than 100 passengers, the Area Manager or Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (DCM)/Divisional Ticketing Manager (DTM) has the authority, subject to the availability of at least 25 percent of the total accommodation.
2. Booking Location
- In New Delhi, bulk bookings are handled at the Reservation Complex of the IRCA Building. Note that this service is available only at specific counters, so confirm availability before visiting the station.
3. Online Booking Restrictions
- IRCTC does not allow ordinary citizens to make bulk bookings online. Only authorised personnel can process bulk bookings once all necessary documents are submitted and approved.
4. Required Documentation
- Submit a request letter to the concerned authority along with all required documents. If the journey is organised by a school, department, or institution, include a certificate from the respective organisation. For family or marriage functions, you mustprovide a marriage card.
5. Passenger List and ID Verification
- Submit a list of all travellers, including their names, ages, and genders. Also, provide a photocopy of the ID card of the person making the reservation.
6. Booking Timing
- Bulk bookings are processed by the computerised reservation system only after 10:00 AM, subject to existing rules and availability.
7. Submission of Request
- Send the request letter to the officials with details such as the train number, the date of the journey, and the list of passengers, along with the necessary documents.
8. Seasonal Booking Window
- Bulk bookings are only allowed for the first day of the season between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM.
9. Passenger Details Submission
- Provide the names, gender, age, and contact details of the passengers in three copies at the time of requesting final permission.
10. Name Change Requests
- If a group member’s name needs to be changed, submit a request at least 48 hours before the train’s departure. This request should be handwritten by the head of the department, group, or party and is permitted only once.
Conclusion
The process consists of several steps, including obtaining the approval of the relevant authority, preparing the required documentation and adhering strictly to the booking time. According to the number of passengers, CRSs, Area Managers or Senior DCM/DTMs play a crucial role in approving bulk bookings and facilitating them. If you wish to check your Train PNR Status, you can login into redRail web portal. It is important to check if bulk bookings are available at your local station. Not all stations have this service.
Include all the necessary documents, such as marriage certificates, institutional certificates, and a list of passengers. Also, include a photocopy of the ID card for the person who is making the request. Computerised reservations only allow bulk bookings after 10:00 AM. You must also submit your request within the seasonal window to ensure optimal availability.
If you need to make any changes (such as changing a passenger’s surname), submit your request in writing at least 48-hours before departure. These guidelines will help you to efficiently organise travel for large groups.
IRCTC bulk booking allows you to concentrate on your trip rather than worrying about individual tickets. Your group travel can be seamless and enjoyable if you follow the rules and plan well.