Indian Railways' New Rule: Waiting List Passengers Banned from Travelling in Reserved Coaches

National News: Indian Railways has implemented new rules since 1 May 2025, which will affect the passengers traveling on the waiting list. Now, passengers with waiting tickets will not be able to travel in sleeper or AC coaches. These passengers will be allowed only to travel in unreserved general coaches.

Strict action will be taken against waiting tickets

• Now if a passenger climbs in a reserved coach with a waiting list ticket, he will be fined.
• Passengers traveling in sleeper coaches will be fined up to ₹ 250.
• Passengers traveling in AC coaches will be fined up to ₹ 440.
• Also, if the passenger is caught in violation of the rules, then the rent from the boarding station to the next station can also be charged from it.

In addition, if a passenger tries to climb into the reserve coach at the next station, he will be removed and the fine will also be taken. The Railways has ordered its ticket testers (TTE) to strictly implement these rules.

Changes in advance reservation period

The Railways has also reduced the Advanced Reservation Period (ARP). Earlier passengers could book tickets till 120 days ago, now it has been reduced to 60 days. This means that now passengers can book train tickets till just two months ago.

Otp verification mandatory

One-time password (OTP) verification has been made mandatory for all online ticket booking to increase security and to prevent ticket misuse.

The purpose of change in rules

The main objective of these changes is to control the crowd in the reserve coach and provide better travel experiences to the passengers with confirmed tickets. Railways say that these new rules will make the journey more organized and security will also improve.

Passengers with waiting list will now be forced to travel in general coaches, and if they want to travel in AC or sleeper coaches, they will have to wait until the ticket is confirmed.