Waiting Ticket New Rule 2025: Indian Railways has recently implemented new rules for waiting tickets. The objective of these rules is to increase the convenience of passengers and reduce overcrowding in trains. Now passengers with waiting tickets will not be able to travel in reservation coaches. This rule has come into effect from January 1, 2025.
Under this new rule, passengers holding waitlisted tickets will be allowed to travel only in general coaches. If a passenger is found in a reservation or AC coach with a waiting ticket, he will have to pay a fine and deboard at the next station. This step has been taken to prevent extra crowding in trains and to provide better travel experience to passengers with confirmed tickets.
Indian Railways Waiting Ticket Rules: At a Glance
| Description | new rule |
| effective date | 1 January 2025 |
| waiting ticket travel | Allowed only in General Coach |
| travel in reservation coach | banned |
| travel in ac coach | banned |
| Penalty (AC coach) | ₹440 + fare till next station |
| Penalty (Sleeper Coach) | ₹250 + fare till next station |
| ticket booking period | from 60 days ago |
| Refund Policy | Only if train is canceled or delayed by more than 3 hours |
New restrictions on waiting tickets
Indian Railways has imposed some important restrictions for waiting tickets:
- Passengers holding waiting ticket cannot travel in reservation coach or AC coach.
- This rule will apply to waiting tickets purchased online or over the counter.
- Travel will be allowed only in general coach with waiting ticket
- Violation of rules will result in fine and deboarding at the next station.
Impact on online waiting ticket booking
The new rules will also be applicable for passengers booking waiting tickets online through IRCTC:
- You will not be able to travel in reservation coach on waiting ticket booked online.
- If the ticket is not confirmed, the money will be refunded automatically
- Online waiting ticket holders will also have to travel in general coach only
fines and penalties
There is a provision for stringent penalties for violating the new rules:
- Penalty of ₹ 440 + fare till next station for traveling on waiting ticket in AC coach
- Penalty of ₹ 250 + fare till next station for traveling on waiting ticket in sleeper coach
- Violating passengers will be dropped at the next station
- Repeated violations may result in more stringent action
Change in Advance Reservation Period
Indian Railways has also changed the advance reservation period for ticket booking:
- Now tickets can be booked only 60 days before the date of journey
- Earlier this period was 120 days
- This rule has come into effect from 1 November 2024
- Pre-booked tickets will remain valid for 120 days
Purpose of new rules
Railways has implemented these new rules with the following objectives:
- Reducing overcrowding in trains
- Providing better travel experience to passengers with confirmed tickets
- Dealing with ticket cancellations and no-shows
- To curb the activities of ticket brokers
- Making travel planning more realistic
impact on passengers
The new rules will have the following impact on passengers:
- Wait waiting ticket holders will have to travel in general coach only
- Fine will be imposed on unauthorized travel in reservation coach
- Ticket booking will have to be planned 60 days in advance
- Long term advance booking will not be possible
- Passengers with confirmed tickets will get better facilities
Changes in Tatkal Ticket Booking
Railways has also made some changes in Tatkal ticket booking:
- Tatkal tickets for AC class can be booked from 10 am
- Tatkal tickets for non-AC classes will be available from 11 am onwards
- Tickets for maximum 4 passengers can be booked on one PNR
- It will be mandatory to provide valid ID proof at the time of booking
Change in Refund Policy
The refund policy has also been changed under the new rules:
- Refund will be given only if train is canceled or delayed by more than 3 hours
- Refund will not be available on Tatkal tickets under normal circumstances.
- Refund will be processed on online cancellation only
- Refund amount will be deposited directly into the passenger’s bank account
use of AI
Indian Railways is now using Artificial Intelligence:
- AI model will optimize seat allocation
- Vacant seats will be predicted by analyzing passenger data
- Seats will be allotted to waiting list passengers in a better way.
- Quality of linen and food will be monitored with AI-enabled cameras
Tips for travelers
Some important tips for travelers in view of the new rules:
- Plan ticket booking 60 days in advance
- Do not travel in reservation coach on waiting ticket
- Be ready at the right time for Tatkal ticket booking
- Carry valid ID proof while travelling.
- Follow the rules and avoid fines
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purpose only. The rules may be changed from time to time by Indian Railways. Please get the latest information from the official website or helpline before travelling. The information given in the article was correct at the time of writing, but it may change in the future.
