Indian Railways announces tougher travel rules: New reservation guidelines and penalties

Dubai: Indian Railways has enforced new rules, effective May 1, 2025, that prohibit passengers with waiting list tickets from boarding Sleeper or Air-Conditioned (AC) coaches, according to media reports.

The restriction covers all bookings, whether made online via IRCTC or at railway counters. Consequently, only passengers with confirmed tickets will now be allowed to travel in reserved compartments.

What’s changed?

This new rule applies to all tickets, whether booked online through IRCTC or bought at railway counters. Passengers with waiting list tickets are now required to travel in general (unreserved) coaches, which do not require prior reservations.

Fines for violations

Passengers found occupying Sleeper or AC coaches with waiting list tickets will be treated as unauthorised travellers.

As per the new rules:

• A fine of up to Rs250 will be levied for unauthorised travel in Sleeper class.

• A fine of up to Rs440 will be imposed in AC coaches.

Additional charges may apply from the boarding point to the next station. 

Strict enforcement by TTEs

Traveling Ticket Examiners (TTEs) have been instructed to strictly enforce the new policy. Offenders will be deboarded at the next station and penalized accordingly, the report added. 

General coaches are the only option 

Passengers with unconfirmed tickets must travel in General (unreserved) coaches, which do not require prior reservations. This change is aimed at reducing overcrowding in reserved compartments and improving the travel experience for confirmed passengers. 

Advance booking period cut to 60 days 

In another change, the Advance Reservation Period (ARP) has been reduced from 120 days to 60 days. Passengers can now book tickets only two months in advance. 

OTP verification made mandatory

For added security, One-Time Password (OTP) verification via mobile number is now required for all online ticket bookings on IRCTC platforms.

Why the change?

Citing persistent issues with overcrowding and discomfort in reserved coaches, Indian Railways aims to streamline operations and improve passenger experience. “The main goal of these modifications is to reduce crowding in reserved compartments,” TOI reported. “Indian Railways hopes to make travel more orderly and enjoyable by limiting passengers on waiting lists to ordinary coaches.”

With inputs from Agencies