From May 1, 2025, Indian Railways implemented a new batch of guidelines that drastically change how train tickets are booked by passengers, especially in reserved classes. The new guidelines are intended to simplify the process of ticketing, cut down on misuse, and provide an open and user-friendly experience to passengers.
No Waiting List Travel in AC and Sleeper Coaches
In a big policy change, Indian Railways has declared that waiting list ticket holders will no longer be allowed to board sleeper or AC coaches at any cost. This will now be enforced strictly. Hitherto, numerous waiting list ticket holders for the most part used to travel in reserved coaches without confirmation, frequently resulting in overcrowding and inconvenience to confirmed passengers.
Under this new regulation, General (Unreserved) coaches alone will permit travel by those without confirmed bookings. If a passenger is found occupying a berth in a sleeper or AC coach with a waiting list ticket, they may be penalized with a hefty fine or even asked to deboard the train.
This step is intended to ensure that reserved coaches offer a comfortable and orderly experience for those with valid bookings.
Advance Reservation Period Cut Down to 60 Days
Indian Railways has, so far, permitted advance reservation up to 120 days from the journey date. In the new policy, however, the advance booking window has been reduced to 60 days. The step is likely to curtail speculative booking and enable more serious travelers to get tickets near their travel dates.
Travelers booking trips now have to plan better since the reduced time frame might mean faster filling up of seats ahead of the departure date. This might also limit long waiting lists that tend to go on for weeks or even months.
Aadhaar Verification Made Compulsory for Tatkal Tickets
One of the most significant updates is with Tatkal ticket reservation. From May 1, Aadhaar verification will be mandatory for all
Tatkal reservations. This step will eliminate bogus bookings and bring about transparency in last-minute reservations.
Additionally, confirmed Tatkal tickets will not be refundable, further emphasizing the urgency and exclusivity of this ticket category. Passengers are requested to be sure of their travel schedule before choosing a Tatkal ticket.
To make the process more equitable for the public at large, Indian Railways has also curbed agents from making bookings for Tatkal tickets within the first 30 minutes of the booking period, thus providing more chances for the common passenger to book a seat.
Revision in Ticket and Service Charges
Indian Railways has also indicated an increase in the fees of various services. These charges, which came into effect on May 1, are as follows:
– Reservation Charges: They were earlier in the range of ₹20–₹60, which now stands at ₹30–₹80 based on class travel.
– Superfast Train Fare: The superfast train’s extra fare currently is ₹20–₹100 instead of the previous ₹15–₹75.
– Tatkal Ticket Fees: These are now updated to ₹20–₹600 in place of their previous ₹10–₹500, the fees differing with distance and class.
Even though such changes represent a slight increase in cost, they are bound to improve services and facilities in the future.
Final Thoughts
These new ticketing regulations are a huge step in the direction of Indian Railways’ efforts to modernize its services. By imposing tighter controls on wait-list travel, cutting down the advance booking period, and making Aadhaar mandatory verification for Tatkal tickets, the railways are being guided towards a safer and more efficient passenger experience.
Tourists who plan to travel on or after May 1 are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these changes in advance in order to avoid last-minute confusion or penalties. As usual, forewarned is forearmed when it comes to a trouble-free trip.
