Exploring Auto Upgradation in IRCTC: How Current Booking Enhances Your Travel Experience

Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has introduced a feature that allows passengers to automatically upgrade their ticket to a higher class if seats become available. This article explores how auto upgradation works with the introduction of current booking, which refers to ticket bookings made on the day of travel.

What is Auto Upgradation?

Automated upgradation in IRCTC allows passengers with confirmed tickets to be automatically shifted to a higher class if seats in that class become available. This process is made possible due to the implementation of current booking, which permits travelers to purchase tickets on the day of travel. This system is particularly beneficial as it enables real-time adjustments based on seat availability, enhancing your travel experience.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for auto upgradation, passengers must have a confirmed ticket. The IRCTC system periodically checks the availability of seats in higher classes. For instance, if a passenger holds a Sleeper ticket and a 3AC seat becomes available, they can be automatically upgraded.

How Current Booking Facilitates Auto Upgradation

Current booking is a revolutionary feature that enhances the ease of travel. It allows passengers to book tickets for trains departing soon. If a passenger books a ticket in a lower class and higher class seats become available, the IRCTC system can automatically upgrade the ticket. Below are the key processes involved:

Eligibility for Current Booking

Current booking is open after charting for all trains offering reserved accommodation. It remains open until 30 minutes prior to the train's departure from the source station. Additionally, the system also functions at remote charting locations along the train's route, which open after the charting at the source station and close 30 minutes before the train's scheduled departure.

Preparation of Charts

Charts are typically prepared 30 minutes prior to the train's departure. These charts are then handed over to the train conductors and TTEs (Train Conductors Train Conductors in Charge).

For more detailed information, the preparation of advance reservations and charting timelines are summarized below:

Advance Reservations and Charting Timeline Summary

Advance reservations open up to 120 days prior to the train's start. They follow a first-come-first-served basis. Tatkal and Premium Tatkal bookings open at specific times: AC classes at 10 am and non-AC classes at 11 am the previous day of the train's departure. All advance reservations close before the charting process begins. The charting process itself takes around 15 minutes and is generally completed around 1 pm to 3 pm on Sundays and major holidays or 7 pm to 9 pm on regular working days, for trains starting at 11 am onwards or those leaving the next day after midnight to 12 noon. Main charts or first charts are prepared at least 4 hours before the scheduled departure for all other trains. Current bookings then open for any vacant berths or seats.

Automatic Upgradation Process

The upgradation process is generally automatic and takes place shortly before the train's departure. The IRCTC system checks for available seats in higher classes and upgrades eligible passengers based on predetermined criteria. Typically, passengers are notified via SMS or the IRCTC app about the upgrade.

However, it is important to note that not all tickets qualify for auto upgradation due to certain limitations, such as availability of seats and restrictions on the number of upgrades. The process is also subject to the rules and regulations set by Indian Railways.

Fare Adjustments and Limitations

If a passenger is upgraded, they may be required to pay the difference in fare between the original class and the upgraded class. The system does not update the fare immediately. The fare will be adjusted later, usually at the destination station, which means passengers may need to pay the difference if they choose to keep the upgraded ticket.

Moreover, the number of upgrades available is limited, and there may be certain tickets that do not qualify for auto upgradation. This ensures that the process remains fair and transparent for all passengers.

Conclusion

The introduction of current booking significantly enhances the functionality of auto upgradation in IRCTC, making the system more dynamic and responsive to seat availability. This feature not only improves the passenger experience but also adds flexibility to the travel planning process.

Related Information and Further Reading

For more comprehensive information, please review the following resources:

Tridiv Senani Raut's answer to 'How many hours before the departure of a train is its chart prepared?'

Happy Journey!