Indian Railways has recently made major changes in the rules of train ticket booking. These changes have been made to keep in mind the convenience of the passengers and to make the booking process more efficient. These new rules, which have been implemented from 1 March 2025, aims to provide better service to passengers and increase the possibility of ticket confirmation. In this article, we will give you these new rules and their detailed information so that you can plan your journey correctly.
Train Ticket Booking New Rules
Indian Railways has reduced the Advance Reservation Period (ARP) from 120 days to 60 days. Apart from this, changes have also been made in waiting tickets, Tatkal ticket booking, and refund policy. Let us discuss these rules in detail.
A quick observation of new rules
| Rule | Description |
| Advance reservation period | Reduced from 120 days to 60 days |
| Waiting ticket system | Waiting ticket now valid only in general coach |
| Tatkal ticket booking time | AC Class: 10 am, Non-AC Class: 11 am |
| Refund policy | Refund only on the cancellation of train or delay of more than 3 hours |
| AI using technology | Use of AI to improve seat allocation process |
| ARP for foreign tourists | 365 day advance booking facility |
Advance Reservation Period (ARP) change
Indian Railways has reduced the Advance Reservation Period to only 60 days. This change has been made to make a better plan for passengers and reduce the problem of “no-show”.
Benefits of this change:
- It will be easy to plan the journey.
- The problem of waiting list will be reduced.
- The actual passenger demand can be better estimated.
New Ticket Rule on waiting ticket
According to the new rules, which came into force from 1 January 2025, waiting tickets will now be valid only in general coaches. Passengers with waiting tickets in reservation or AC coaches will not be allowed to travel.
Main point:
- Passengers with waiting tickets can only travel in general coaches.
- Traveling in reservation coach will be fined:
- AC Coach: ₹ 440 + fare up to the next station.
- Sleeper Coach: ₹ 250 + fare up to the next station.
Tatkal Ticket Booking
Tatkal ticket booking process has also been organized more. Now passengers can book Tatkal tickets for AC class at 10 am and Non-C class from 11 am.
Benefits of immediate booking:
- More facilities for those who plan to travel at the last minute.
- The chances of getting confirmed tickets will increase.
Refund policy changes
Under the new refund policy, passengers will get refund only under the same circumstances:
- The train is canceled.
- The train runs more than 3 hours late.
This step has been taken to reduce the inconvenience of passengers and ensure their safety.
Use of AI technology (use of ai technology)
Indian Railways has started using AI technology to improve the seat allocation process. This will make the seat allocation faster and more accurate, which will save passengers’ time and improve their travel experience.
Special facility for foreign tourists
Advance Reservation Period (ARP) for foreign tourists will still be 365 days. This feature will help them easily create their long -term travel plans.
Impact of new rules (Impact of New Rules)
- Travel Plan: Passengers will get more flexibility in planning their journey.
- Booking process: The booking process will be easier and faster.
- Real demand: It will be easy to estimate the actual passenger demand, which will allow the correct allocation of seats.
Important things that keep in mind
- Advance Reservation is now available for only 60 days.
- Passengers with waiting tickets can only travel in general compartment.
- Tatkal ticket booking time is scheduled for different classes.
- The refund policy has now become more strict than before.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on the new rules declared by Indian Railways. However, all details depend on the official announcements. Be sure to confirm the information given by the officials concerned before the journey.
