Chart Preparation

Q: What does chart preparation in indian railways mean?

Ans: During chart preparation final seat allotment is done for all the passengers. Some waiting list tickets are confirmed. Berth and coach number is assigned to all passengers having final status as confirmed or RAC while fully waiting list e-tickets are automatically cancelled. Some passengers also get upgraded which means they get accommodation in higher class without paying any extra charge. Fully confirmed tickets cannot be canceled after chart preparation.

Q: When is charting done for a train in indian railways?

Ans: With effect from 12th November 2015, chart preparation will take place twice - once 4 hours before scheduled departure time of train while second and final chart will be prepared 30 minutes before the departure time. According to the revised rules, booking will be allowed on internet as well as at reservation counters for a particular train, subject to availability of berths, even after the preparation of first reservation chart. For trains originating early morning, charting can also be done at night. In case train is delayed, the chart may be prepared after the train’s scheduled departure time but before the actual depart time of the train.

Q: What to do if my name does not appear in chart?

Ans: If a passenger’s name does not appear in chart he or she should not board the train. This can happen if the passenger’s ticket did not get confirm. If your ticket is confirmed and still cannot find your name in the chart, then you might have done some mistake on your part such as looking at chart of wrong coach or while booking putting wrong train code or wrong date etc. One should consult the train TTE before boarding the train in such cases.