Ещё покопался на сайте http://www.irctc.co.in/ и нашёл занятную инфу про Таткал (со ссылки текста "50% Tatkal Quota"). Суть её в том, что можно забивать на сайте себе Таткал заранее, задолго до официальных 5 дней - если уже идёт заказ билетов на лист ожидания (при отсутствии нормальных), можно при заказе билета поставить галочку "выкупить билет из таткала (т.е. дороже)". Причём, если билет будет потом подтверждён в обычной general квоте, то в течение 30 дней после отправления поезда, совершив нужные телодвижения по сбору бумажек, можно потом вернуть таткаловый сбор. Видимо, так тот индус-сосед купил себе таткал.
Option for waitlist passengers to book against Tatkal Quota for certain trains
To save the botheration of general waitlisted passenger to book again for tatkal booking on the opening day of tatkal quota, Railways have decided to have an option from the passenger opting "Yes", in case he desires to be considered for allotment against 50% of Tatkal quota by certain trains.
In case the "Yes" option is opted by the passenger, the fare including Tatkal charges will be recovered.
An indication will be given against the name of such passenger that the "Tatkal Charges" have been collected.
On the opening day of "Tatkal Booking" for that particular date, such passenger will be allotted "Tatkal" accommodation as per priority who has opted "YES" for this scheme.
No concession in fare will be allowed against such tickets.
In case such passenger gets confirmed in general quota, he will be eligible for seeking refund of Tatkal charges by obtaining a Ticket Deposit Receipt within 30 days of departure of train. The case shall be processed with the Railways for refund on behalf of the I-ticket passengers and refund amount on receipt from the Railways shall be credited to customer's account electronically,
In case the passenger wants to cancel the ticket before the "Advance Reservation Period" of Tatkal Scheme (5 days), normal refund rules will be applicable. In case the passenger is updated against "Tatkal Quota", Tatkal refund rules will be applicable to such passengers.
In such trains there will be no restriction of booking under Tatkal scheme and tickets can be booked as are booked in general quota in the respective trains.