Indian Railways has implemented new rules related to counter tickets to improve passengers’ convenience and travel experience. This change has become effective from 1 January 2025. The purpose of these rules is to reduce congestion in trains, simplify ticket booking process and provide better service to passengers. In particular, these rules are important for travelers who buy tickets from the railway counter.
The new rules have made several changes related to waiting tickets, reservation, and general coaches. This will help the passengers to plan the journey and stop the unauthorized journey. Come, in this article we understand the complete information about these new rules in detail.
New rule on railway counter ticket: Chief Information
The new rules implemented by the Indian Railways aims to make the journey of passengers more streamlined and safe. Below is a summary of these rules through a table:
| Description | New rule |
| Date of implementation | 1 January 2025 |
| Waiting ticket trip | Permission in general coach only |
| Travel in reservation coach | Prohibited |
| Ac coach travel | Prohibited |
| Fines (AC Coach) | ₹ 440 + fare up to the next station |
| Fine (sleeper coach) | ₹ 250 + fare up to the next station |
| Ticket booking period | 60 days ago |
| Refund policy | Only train canceled or delay more than 3 hours |
New restrictions on waiting tickets on waiting tickets
Indian Railways has made some strict provisions for waiting ticket holders. The purpose of these provisions is to control congestion in trains and provide better facilities to confirmed ticket holders:
- Passengers with waiting tickets can now travel only in general coaches.
- Traveling with waiting tickets in reservation or AC coach is completely banned.
- If a passenger is found in a reservation or AC coach with waiting tickets, he will have to pay a fine and land at the next station.
- This rule will be applicable to both online and counter waiting tickets.
Objectives of new rules
Indian Railways has taken into account many important objectives behind implementing these new rules:
- Reducing congestion: This step has been taken to prevent additional congestion in trains.
- Improvement of travel experience: providing confirmed ticket holders more comfortable and troublesome free travel experience.
- Ban on ticket brokers: curb illegal activities and brokerage.
- Realistic Plan: To facilitate passengers to plan their journey in a more realistic way.
Change in tatkal ticket booking
Some significant changes have also been made in the Tatkal ticket booking process, which is necessary for the passengers to know:
- Tatkal tickets for AC class can be booked from 10 am.
- Tatkal tickets for non-AC class will be available from 11 am.
- A maximum of 4 passengers tickets can be booked on a PNR.
- It will be mandatory to submit a valid identity card (ID Proof) at the time of booking.
Impact on passengers (impact on passengers)
The new rules will directly affect the travel process of the passengers. Below are some major effects:
- Waiting ticket holders will only have to travel in general coaches.
- A unauthorized journey in reservation or AC coach will be fined.
- Long -term advance booking will not be done, as now booking will be possible only 60 days in advance.
- Confirm ticket holders will get better facilities, which will improve their travel experience.
New refund policy
Railways has also changed the refund policy to increase the convenience of passengers:
- If the train is canceled or delays more than 3 hours, the refund will be given.
- The online booked waiting tickets will automatically be canceled and the amount will be returned to the account.
Railway counter tickets: new facilities
Indian Railways has also introduced some new facilities for tickets purchased from the counter:
- Now reservation tickets purchased from the counter can be canceled online.
- Passengers can check their booking status using the mobile app or website.
- Counter ticket holders can now cancel their tickets for half an hour after leaving the train.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on the new rules issued by Indian Railways. However, many misleading claims related to social media and other mediums have also been revealed. Please note that this information is based on verified sources.
The purpose of these rules is to increase the convenience of passengers and maintain discipline in trains. If you want to confirm any information related to Indian Railways, contact the official website or the nearest railway station.
