Now Book Train Tickets from Your Post Office! Indian Railways Launches Service Across 333 Locations Ahead of Diwali and Chhath

Travelers planning their Diwali and Chhath Puja journeys have a new reason to rejoice. The Indian Railways, in collaboration with India Post, has introduced a convenient service allowing passengers to book train tickets directly from select post offices across the country. This initiative is especially beneficial for people in rural and semi-urban areas where access to railway stations or booking counters is limited.

Post Office Railway Ticket Booking: A Step Toward Accessible Travel

The new initiative enables passengers to reserve tickets for all classes — including Sleeper, AC, and General — directly from nearby post offices. According to India Post’s official statement, this service is available in 333 post offices nationwide and is part of the government’s larger goal of promoting financial inclusion and last-mile connectivity.

The service operates under the Passenger Reservation System (PRS), the same platform used by IRCTC and railway booking counters. Post offices equipped with PRS terminals can issue railway reservation tickets to customers without requiring them to visit a railway station or use the IRCTC app.

This move is particularly significant for travelers in remote regions who often have to rely on agents or travel long distances for ticket reservations.

How to Book a Railway Ticket from Your Post Office

Booking a train ticket through the post office is a straightforward process. Here’s how it works:

1. Find a Nearby PRS-Enabled Post Office
   Visit your nearest post office that has a Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counter. These are typically located in areas without a nearby railway station.

2. Provide Travel Details
   Share your complete journey information — departure and destination stations, travel date, preferred train name or number, and ticket class (Sleeper, AC, or General).

3. Fill the Reservation Form
   Complete a standard railway reservation form, similar to the one used at station booking counters.

4. Make the Payment
   Pay the ticket fare at the counter (cash or accepted digital methods).

5. Get Your Confirmed Ticket
   Once payment is processed, the staff will print your ticket instantly using the PRS terminal. You’ll receive an official IRCTC reservation slip with PNR details.

This service ensures that people without smartphones or internet access can still book confirmed train tickets with ease and transparency.

Why This Initiative Matters

The partnership between India Post and the Ministry of Railways aims to make essential government services more accessible to citizens in every part of the country.

The post office has traditionally played a central role in India’s communication and financial system — offering banking, savings, insurance, and postal services. With this new collaboration, it now becomes an essential part of India’s digital and transport ecosystem as well.

By integrating railway ticketing services, the postal department extends its role as a multi-utility public service point, further strengthening its presence in rural India.

New IRCTC Rule for Aadhaar-Linked Accounts

In addition to this initiative, Indian Railways has also introduced a new rule effective from October 1, 2025, regarding online bookings.

When the IRCTC booking window opens (60 days before the train’s departure), for the first 15 minutes, only users whose IRCTC accounts are Aadhaar-verified will be able to book tickets. Authorized agents will continue to face a 10-minute restriction before they can start bookings.

Passengers whose IRCTC accounts are not linked to Aadhaar will have to wait for the first 15 minutes before booking opens to all users.
This rule aims to reduce ticketing fraud and ensure that genuine passengers get a fair chance during high-demand booking periods.

A Major Step for Rural Connectivity

Currently, 333 post offices are offering this ticketing service, but the government plans to expand it further based on demand. This initiative will significantly help passengers during the festive season rush, especially for Diwali and Chhath, when train bookings are at their peak.

With this move, India Post once again proves that it’s more than just a postal network — it’s a bridge connecting millions of citizens to essential government and digital services.

In Summary:

• Service available in 333 post offices nationwide.

• Tickets can be booked for all train classes.

• Aimed at rural and semi-urban passengers.

• Aadhaar-linked booking rule introduced for IRCTC users.

• A collaborative effort between India Post and Indian Railways for enhanced accessibility and transparency.