When does current availability open in IRCTC?
Current availability opens once the reservation chart is prepared, which is usually about four hours before the train leaves its originating station. A second chart is prepared closer to departure (often thirty minutes to a couple of hours before). During this window, berths that were never booked or were cancelled at the last minute are released at the normal fare, and anyone can book them with a real coach and berth. The exact time differs by train and boarding station.
