The Indian Railways has implemented new regulations effective May 1, 2025. According to recent news reports, travelers with tickets on waiting lists would be impacted by this important policy change. These passengers are no longer allowed to travel in sleeper or air-conditioned (AC) coaches under the new regulations, a Times of India (ToI) news report stated.Restrictions on reserved coaches: Travelers with waiting list tickets, whether they were bought online or in person at counters, are now only permitted to board ordinary (unreserved) coaches. The AC and sleeping cabins are off limits to them, reported ToI.
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What are the penalties for violating the new IRCTC rules?
Passengers found traveling in reserved coaches with a waiting list ticket will face the following penalties, as per ToI report:
Sleeper Class: Fine of up to Rs 250
AC Class: Fine of up to Rs 440
In addition, violators may also be charged the fare from the boarding point to the next station.
Traveling ticket examiners, or TTEs, have been instructed to rigorously enforce these rules. Those holding waiting list tickets who attempt to board reserved coaches at the next station will be disembarked and fined, ToI said.
Advance Reservation Period (ARP) modification is now 60 days rather than 120 days. Consequently, instead of four months in advance, tourists can now buy tickets up to two months in advance.
One-Time Password (OTP) verification is now required for all online ticket purchases in order to improve security and guard against abuse, ToI report.
As per the ToI report, “In order to provide customers with confirmed tickets with a more comfortable travel experience, the main goal of these modifications is to reduce crowding in reserved compartments. A recurring problem that raises discomfort and safety concerns is overcrowding. Indian Railways hopes to make travel more orderly and enjoyable by limiting passengers on waiting lists to ordinary coaches.”
If a passenger plans to travel in the AC or sleeper classes, they should make sure their tickets are confirmed prior to the trip date. As an alternative, general coaches are available to individuals with tickets on the waiting list since they don’t require reservations. This provides an alternative for passengers who are unable to secure confirmed tickets in reserved classes.
FAQs: Indian Railways New Rules from May 1, 2025
1. Can I travel in Sleeper or AC coach with a waiting list ticket?
No. As per the new rules, passengers holding waiting list tickets (whether booked online or offline) are not allowed to travel in Sleeper or AC coaches. They can only travel in General (Unreserved) coaches.
2. What happens if I still board a reserved coach with a waiting list ticket?
If caught, you will be deboarded and fined:
Rs 250 for Sleeper Class
Rs 440 for AC Class
You may also be charged the fare from your boarding point to the next station.
3. Are TTEs authorized to enforce these rules?
Yes. Travelling Ticket Examiners (TTEs) have been directed to strictly enforce these new rules and take immediate action against violations.
4. Has the train ticket booking window changed?
Yes. The Advance Reservation Period (ARP) has been reduced from 120 days to 60 days. You can now book tickets only two months in advance.
5. Do these rules apply to both online and offline ticket bookings?
Yes. The new rules apply regardless of how the ticket was booked—whether through IRCTC, the railway counter, or a travel agent.
6. Is OTP verification now mandatory for booking tickets?
Yes. OTP (One-Time Password) verification via mobile number is now compulsory for all online bookings made through the IRCTC website or app.
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