Indian Railways has made major changes in the rules related to General Ticket, which are extremely important for travelers. The main objective of these changes is to provide better convenience to passengers, control crowds and make the ticketing process more transparent. If you also travel by train and often use general tickets, then this information is very important for you. Let us know in detail what these new rules are and how to apply.
New rules of General Ticket: At a glance
| Description | Information |
| Date of implementation | 1 March 2025 |
| Main change | Train-specific tickets and online booking |
| Validity of tickets | Only 3 hours |
| Booking medium | UTS Mobile App and Railway Counter |
| Payment option | Digital Payment (UPI, Net Banking) |
| Refund policy | no refunds |
| Seat allocation | First come first serve on basis |
| Objective | Crowd control and transparency |
Main points of new rules
1. Train-specific tickets
Now the name of the train will be recorded on the general ticket. This means that passengers can travel only in the same train, whose name will be written on their ticket. Earlier passengers could travel in any train, but now this option is over.
2. Validity of tickets
The general ticket will now be valid for only 3 hours. If the passengers do not start their journey within this time limit, then their ticket will be invalid.
3. online booking facility
Indian Railways has started the facility of general ticket booking through UTS Mobile App for the convenience of passengers. With this, passengers can avoid long queues and can easily book their tickets.
4. Digital Payment Options
Now passengers can pay through digital means like UPI, Debit Card, Credit Card and Net Banking. This step has been taken with the aim of reducing cash transactions and promoting Digital India.
Why were the new rules implemented?
The following are the main reasons behind implementing these rules:
- Crowd control: Railways have taken this step after recent incidents like stampede at New Delhi railway station.
- Travel Safety: Strict rules have been made to ensure the safety of passengers.
- Transparency: This change has been made to make the ticketing process more transparent and prevent black marketing.
Impact on passengers with new rules
Positive effect
- Passengers will get a chance to make a better plan for their journey.
- Will get rid of long queues.
- The congestion will be less, making the journey more comfortable.
Negative effects
- The flexibility of passengers may be reduced due to the abolition of the train changing facility.
- The 3 -hour validity range may be inconvenient for some passengers.
How to book online?
If you want to book general tickets online, then follow the steps given below:
- Download the UTS app in your mobile.
- Register and login in the app.
- Click on “Book Ticket” option.
- Enter your journey details (station name, train name).
- Pay and get e-ticket.
Other important rules related to general ticket booking
- Platform tickets are mandatory to enter the platform area.
- General ticket holders can only travel in unreserved coaches.
- There will be no refund on the general ticket, so buy tickets only by making a journey plan.
Benefits of General Ticket
- The cheapest travel option.
- Suitable for those traveling at the last minute.
- Savings of time on booking through digital medium.
conclusion
These changes made by Indian Railways have been made aimed at improving the experience of the passengers and ensuring safety. Although some passengers may cause inconvenience to these changes in the beginning, these steps in the long run will make the railway system more organized and user-friendly.
Disclaimer:
This article is written only for the purpose of providing information. Please read the official guidelines issued by the Railways before starting the journey.
