New Rule for Waiting Ticket Holders by Indian Railways

The Indian Railways continuously makes changes to enhance travel comfort and convenience. Recently, social media buzzed with viral pictures and videos showing overcrowding in reservation coaches due to passengers holding waiting list tickets. In response, the railway authorities have introduced new rules for waiting list tickets. According to these new rules, only passengers with confirmed reservations can travel in reservation coaches.

Waiting Tickets Restrictions

Indian Railways has revised its rules regarding waiting list tickets. From now on, whether booked online through IRCTC or at ticket counters, passengers with waiting list tickets are not allowed to travel in reservation or AC coaches. This means that even if a waiting ticket is purchased from the counter, passengers cannot occupy seats in reserved coaches.

Online Waiting List Restrictions

According to railway rules, if you book a waiting list ticket online via IRCTC, you won’t be permitted to travel in the reserved coach. If your ticket doesn’t get confirmed, your money will be refunded automatically. Previously, passengers with waiting list tickets from counters often traveled in reservation coaches, but this practice is no longer allowed. Passengers with waiting list tickets bought at railway counters can only travel in general coaches, with no exceptions for reserved or AC coaches.

Strict Penalties

Travelers holding waiting list tickets who are found traveling in reserved coaches may be asked to disembark at the next station and will incur a penalty. Travelers with waiting list tickets are strictly prohibited from entering reservation coaches. If caught, they will face fines up to ₹440. Additionally, those found traveling in a reserved coach with a waiting list ticket will be charged for the journey from the starting station to the destination, along with a minimum penalty of ₹440.

By adhering to these new rules, Indian Railways aims to ensure a more comfortable and organized travel experience for all passengers.