Understanding IRCTC's Break Journey Policy: Rules and Restrictions

IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) is a public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Railways in India. It operates and manages various services related to the Indian railway system, including train ticketing, hospitality services, and promoting both domestic and international tourism. One of the key services IRCTC provides is the so-called 'break journey' facility. This article will delve into why IRCTC has certain restrictions and rules for break journeys and the specifics of how the break journey rules work.

Why IRCTC is Not Allowing Break Journeys (Last Updated: August 2023)

As of August 2023, IRCTC does not allow break journeys for several policy-related reasons:

Policy Restrictions: The Indian Railways has specific rules to manage the flow of passengers and ensure that trains operate on schedule. Break journeys can complicate this process. Ticketing Complexity: Allowing break journeys complicates the ticketing system, making it difficult to track seat availability and manage reservations. Operational Efficiency: To maintain operational efficiency and reduce the chances of empty seats, IRCTC may limit bookings to direct routes only. Safety and Security: Break journeys can lead to increased safety and security issues as passengers would need to navigate through stations and possibly change trains, which can be challenging.

For the most accurate and updated information, it is best to check directly with IRCTC or the Indian Railways official announcements as policies may have changed.

Break Journey Rules of IRCTC: Key Information to Know

Despite the policy restrictions, IRCTC does allow a break journey with certain distance restrictions. Here are the key rules and conditions for break journeys:

Eligibility for Break Journeys

To be eligible for a break journey, you need to meet the following criteria:

A single ticket for a journey covering more than 500 kilometers is required for one break. A single ticket for a journey covering more than 1000 kilometers is required for two breaks. You must complete 500 kilometers from the starting station to become eligible for a break. The break must be taken within 2 days after traveling 500 kilometers. Tickets must be endorsed by the station manager or ticket collector at the station where the break is intended. Passengers on Shatbadi, Rajdhani, or Jan Shatbadi express trains are not eligible for break journeys.

Examples and Exceptions

Here are some examples and exceptions to help you better understand the rules:

No break journey is allowed for a 800 kilometers ticket if the passenger wants a pause at 423 kilometers. A break is permissible if you have a ticket for 600 kilometers and are pausing at 501 kilometers for a maximum of 2 days. For a 1050 kilometers ticket, only one break can be taken at 801 kilometers for a maximum of 2 days. For a 2000 kilometers ticket, only two breaks can be taken at 800 kilometers, 905 kilometers, and 1505 kilometers, with a maximum of 2 days at each point of break.

How to Book a Break Journey

To avail the break journey facility:

Inform the ticket booking office about your intention to travel in intervals when booking your ticket. Ensure that your ticket is endorsed by the station manager or ticket collector at the station where the break is intended.

These steps will help you comply with the necessary requirements to enjoy the break journey facility.

Conclusion

IRCTC provides a wealth of services through its portal, including booking train tickets, checking train schedules, and providing detailed information about cross-country travel. Remember to check the official website of IRCTC for the most up-to-date information on break journey rules, as policy changes can occur over time.