Indian Railways has recently made major changes in the rules related to train ticket booking. These changes have been made with the aim of convenience of passengers, making ticket booking process more efficient and reducing congestion. These new rules, which came into force from 1 March 2025 and updates of Tatkal ticket booking, which have come into force from 15 April 2025, have brought many significant changes for passengers. Let us understand these changes in detail.
New railway ticket booking rules: main changes
Travel ban on waiting tickets
From 1 March 2025, passengers with waiting list will not be allowed to travel in sleeper or AC coaches. Such passengers can travel only in general coaches. If a passenger travels in AC or sleeper coach with waiting tickets, he will have to pay a fine:
- AC Coach: Fines up to ₹ 440 and fare up to the next station.
- Sleeper Coach: Fines up to ₹ 250 and fare up to the next station.
Changes in advance reservation period
The Railways has reduced the Advanced Reservation Period (ARP) from 120 days to 60 days. This rule came into force from November 2024. The following is the objective of this change:
- No-show Reducing number of passengers.
- Ensuring correct allocation of seats.
- To make the ticket booking process more transparent.
New rules for Tatkal Ticket Booking
The following changes have been made in the Tatkal ticket booking process since 15 April 2025:
- Booking Timing:
- AC Class: 10:00 am.
- Non-AC Class: From 11:00 am.
- Online booking: OTP and captcha verification mandatory.
- Ban on agents: Booking banned by agents from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Brief table of new rules
| shift | Description |
| Waiting ticket | Valuable in general coach only. Fine on travel in sleeper/AC. |
| Advanced Reservation Period | Reduced from 120 days to 60 days. |
| Immediate booking time | AC: 10:00 am, Non-AC: 11:00 am. |
| Ban on agents | Can not book online till 10: 00–12: 00 am. |
| OTP Verification | Mandatory for confirming online tickets. |
| Fine amount | AC: ₹ 440, Sleeper: ₹ 250. |
| General ticket validity | The journey will have to be started within three hours. |
Objective behind rules
Indian Railways has given many important reasons behind implementing these rules:
- Reducing congestion: Stopping congestion in reserved coaches by limiting the number of passengers with waiting list.
- Improvement of ticket booking process: Fake booking due to reducing advance reservation period and No-show The problem of passengers will be reduced.
- Creating better travel experience: Technical improvements to make Tatkal ticket process more transparent and efficient.
- Increased security: Conversion at the station by improving general ticket system and preventing accidents.
Impact on passengers
These new rules will have a positive impact on the passengers:
- Reserved seats: Now seats will be allotted more efficiently.
- Congested: Crowds will be reduced between general and reserved coaches.
- Travel plan: Passengers will be able to plan their journey more easily.
- Security: The crowd management at the station will be better.
conclusion
New rules implemented by Indian Railways are an important step to ensure the convenience and safety of passengers. Measures such as banning passengers with waiting list, reduction in advance reservation period, and improvement in Tatkal ticket process will make railway travel more efficient and comfortable.
Disclaimer
This article is based on the rules declared by Indian Railways. Please confirm the information from the official website of the railway or related sources before making your travel plan.
