Indian Railways has introduced major changes in train ticket booking rules starting from March 1, 2025.
According to the new rules, passengers with waiting tickets will no longer be allowed to travel in sleeper or AC coaches.
These changes aim to make the booking process more efficient and increase the chances of ticket confirmation.
Let’s understand these new rules in detail.
Changes in Advance Reservation Period
1) The ticket booking period has been reduced from 120 days to 60 days.
2) This will help passengers plan their journey more easily.
3) The problem of waiting lists will be reduced.
4) Fewer passengers will fail to show up, ensuring better seat allocation.
New Rules for Waiting Tickets
1) Waiting tickets will only be valid for general coaches.
2) Passengers with waiting tickets cannot travel in AC or sleeper coaches.
3) If someone travels with a waiting ticket in these reserved coaches, they will have to pay a fine:
AC Coach: Fine up to ₹440 plus fare to the next station.
Sleeper Coach: Fine up to ₹250 plus fare to the next station.
Changes in Tatkal Ticket Booking
1) The Tatkal booking timing has been updated
AC class: Booking starts at 10 AM.
Non-AC class: Booking starts at 11 AM.
2) These changes will help passengers booking last-minute tickets get a better chance of confirmation.
Updates in Refund Policy
1) Refunds will now be given only in special cases, such as
If the train is canceled.
If the train is delayed by more than 3 hours.
2) This will prevent misuse of ticket bookings and reduce passenger inconvenience.
AI-Based Seat Allocation
1) Indian Railways will now use AI technology to allocate seats.
2) This will make the booking process faster and improve passenger experience.
Special Facilities for Foreign Tourists
1) Foreign tourists can still book tickets up to 365 days in advance.
2) This will help them plan their long trips easily and ensure correct seat allocation.
These new rules aim to make train travel more organized, efficient, and hassle-free for all passengers.
