IRCTC New Rule:
Effective May 1, 2025, Indian Railways has introduced a major policy change impacting passengers with waiting list tickets. As per the new guidelines, travellers holding waitlisted tickets will no longer be allowed to board sleeper or air-conditioned (AC) coaches.
IRCTC New Rule: No Boarding for Waiting List Passengers in Sleeper, AC Coaches from May 1
Starting May 1, 2025, Indian Railways has enforced a significant policy update aimed at improving the travel experience for passengers with confirmed tickets. Under the new rule, travellers holding waitlisted tickets will no longer be allowed to board sleeper or air-conditioned (AC) coaches.
This move is intended to reduce congestion and ensure better comfort for those with confirmed reservations.
Passengers with waitlisted tickets—regardless of whether purchased online or at ticket counters—are now only permitted to travel in general (unreserved) coaches. Boarding reserved coaches with a waitlisted ticket is now considered a violation.
Violators of this rule may face a penalty:
- Up to ₹250 for sleeper class
- Up to ₹440 for AC class
These fines are in addition to travel charges calculated from the boarding point to the next station.
IRCTC New Rules from May 1, 2025: Key Changes for Railway Passengers
Indian Railways has introduced several important changes effective May 1, 2025, aimed at improving passenger convenience, reducing misuse, and enhancing travel experiences. Here are the key updates:
1. No Boarding for Waitlisted Passengers in Reserved Coaches
- Passengers with waitlisted tickets are no longer allowed to board sleeper or air-conditioned (AC) coaches.
- They may only travel in general (unreserved) coaches.
- TTEs have been directed to enforce this rule strictly—passengers attempting to board reserved coaches without confirmed tickets will be disembarked and fined.
2. Fines for Rule Violation
- ₹250 penalty for sleeper class violations.
- ₹440 penalty for AC class violations.
- Fines are in addition to fare from the boarding point to the next station.
3. Advance Reservation Period (ARP) Reduced
- The ARP has been shortened from 120 days to 60 days.
- Passengers can now book tickets up to 2 months in advance instead of 4.
4. Mandatory OTP Verification for Online Bookings
- To improve security and prevent misuse, all online ticket bookings through IRCTC will now require OTP verification.
- This step ensures the identity of the user during every transaction.
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