Indian Railways has made several significant changes in recent times, which have been made to improve the experience of travelers. These changes include ticket booking, food services, and travel rules. These changes not only increase the convenience of passengers, but also improve the efficiency of the railway. In this article, we will discuss these new rules in detail and understand their effects.
The main objective of these changes is to provide better facilities to the passengers, such as increase in food facilities in Vande Bharat trains, and change in travel rules for waiting list ticket holders. Apart from this, the rules of general tickets have also been amended to increase the safety and convenience of passengers.
Railway rules observation
The table below gives details of the new rules of the railway:
| Rule | Description |
| Vande Bharat Khati Rules | Now passengers can buy food in the train without booking. |
| Waiting list ticket rules | Waiting list ticket holders cannot travel in sleeper or AC coaches. |
| General ticket rules | General ticket holders will now have to travel in the specified train itself. |
| Ticket booking period | The duration of ticket booking has been reduced from 120 days to 60 days. |
| Food menu performance | The performance of food menu and rates in trains is mandatory. |
| Cleanliness and quality | Several steps have been taken to improve hygiene and food quality in trains. |
Changes in food services
Vande Bharat trains have made a significant change in food services. Now passengers can buy food in the train without booking. This decision has been taken in view of the increasing complaints of the passengers, who wanted a cooked food despite not booking food. Under this feature, passengers can avail both ready-to-set (RTE) and ripe food options.
Change in waiting list ticket rules
Indian Railways has changed an important rule for waiting list ticket holders. Now waiting list ticket holders cannot travel in sleeper or AC coach. This rule has come into force from 1 March 2025 and aims to improve the experience of passengers. Waiting list ticket holders will now have to travel in General (Annorable) Coach.
Change in general ticket rules
The General Ticket Rules have also been amended. Now general ticket holders will have to travel in the specified train itself. The rule has come into force from March 2024 and aims to improve mob management and ticketing efficiency. In addition, the validity period of general tickets will also be strictly implemented, which is three hours.
Change in ticket booking period
Indian Railways has reduced the ticket booking period from 120 days to 60 days. This decision has come into force from 1 November 2024 and aims to make the ticket booking process more effective. This change will help passengers to plan their journey and also improve ticket availability.
Food menu performance mandatory
Railways have made the performance of food menu and rates mandatory. This decision has been taken to inform the passengers about eating options and their prices. Apart from this, information about the menu is also being provided through the IRCTC website and SMS.
Improvement in hygiene and quality
Railways have taken several steps to improve cleanliness and food quality. This includes installation of CCTV cameras, third-party audit, and quality control. Apart from this, food safety supervisors have also been appointed to monitor the quality and hygiene of the food.
Other important changes
- Tatakal Ticket Booking: Booking of AC Tatkal tickets starts at 10:00 am and booking of non-AC Tatakal tickets starts at 11:00 am.
- Refund policy: Refund facility is available if the train is canceled or delays more than three hours.
- AI-based seat allocation: AI is being used to improve seat allocation.
conclusion
These new rules will provide better facilities to the passengers and will also improve the efficiency of the railway. Passengers should be aware of these rules so that they can plan their journey better.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the recent changes by Indian Railways. This information is based on real and official sources, but it would be appropriate to contact the official railway website or the authorities concerned for any specific rule or policy.
