Bhopal Railway Division Introduces Token System for Tatkal Ticket Bookings

August 1, 2026

Bhopal: The Bhopal Division of the West Central Railway has introduced a new token-based system for Tatkal ticket bookings at all computerised reservation centres from August 1. The move aims to make the booking process more transparent and prevent the misuse of Tatkal reservations by touts and middlemen.

Under the new system, passengers will first have to collect tokens before booking Tatkal tickets at railway reservation counters. The initiative has been introduced to ensure that genuine travellers get priority during the high-demand booking window.

Separate Token Timings for AC and Non-AC Tatkal Tickets

Tokens for AC Tatkal bookings will be issued between 8:30 am and 9 am, while tokens for non-AC Tatkal bookings will be distributed from 9 am to 9:30 am.

Each reservation counter will issue a maximum of 10 tokens for AC Tatkal tickets and 15 tokens for non-AC Tatkal tickets. Railway authorities may increase or reduce the number depending on passenger demand and local conditions.

The system will be implemented at all computerised reservation centres under the Bhopal Division.

Priority Categories Introduced for Genuine Passengers

To ensure fair access to Tatkal tickets, the Railways has created two priority categories.

Priority A includes passengers booking tickets for themselves or immediate family members such as parents, grandparents, spouse, children and siblings. They will need to provide self-attested identity proof and may be asked to submit additional documents verifying family relationships.

Priority B covers other applicants booking tickets for passengers outside their immediate family. Such applicants will have to submit self-attested identity documents of both the person booking the ticket and the passenger.

Railway officials said the token system will help reduce the role of unauthorised agents and ensure a smoother booking experience for passengers. After all token holders are served, remaining Tatkal tickets will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability.