Traveling in Indian Railways is a common practice, but passengers are often confused about the rules and fines to travel to sleeper coaches from waiting tickets. Recently, the Railways has implemented strict rules for those traveling in sleeper coaches on waiting tickets. If you travel in a sleeper coach with a waiting ticket, you may have to pay a fine or shift to the general compartment. In this article, we will discuss all the rules related to waiting tickets, the amount of fine and measures to avoid it.
New rules of traveling in sleeper coaches from waiting tickets
Railways have banned traveling in sleeper coaches on waiting tickets. Online waiting tickets are automatically canceled if they are not confirmed. At the same time, traveling in sleeper coach is no longer valid by waiting tickets taken from window. If a passenger does so, he will have to pay a fine or will be removed from the train.
Main rules related to waiting tickets:
- Online waiting tickets: Automatic canceled when not confirmed.
- Window waiting ticket: It is valid only for general coach.
- Travel in sleeper coach: It is illegal to travel in sleeper coach with waiting tickets.
- Penal fines: Fines can be imposed by TTE.
Amount of fine
If you are caught traveling in a sleeper coach with waiting tickets, then you may have to pay a fine. The amount of fine can be as follows:
| Situation | Fine amount |
| Sleeper coach without confirmed tickets | Difference of ₹ 250 + Rent |
| AC coach without confirmed tickets | ₹ 440 + Fare Difference |
| Travel in general compartment | no extra charge |
What to do if the seat is vacant?
If you have a waiting ticket and the seat is vacant in the sleeper coach of the train, you can contact TTE. You can be allotted that seat when you get an empty seat, but additional fees will not be charged for this. Note that this facility is available only when the seat is available.
Waiting ticket and general compartment option
Now the Railways has made it clear that the waiting ticket will be valid only for general coach. If your ticket is not confirmed, you will have to travel in the general compartment.
Suggestion for General Backs:
- Reach the station on time so that you can get a seat.
- You may have to travel and travel when there is more crowd.
- The general compartment option for long distance travel may be less convenient.
Improvements being done by railway
Indian Railways is now working on the Passenger Reservation System to reduce the waiting list. According to this:
- Only 10% more waiting tickets will be issued than the number of confirmed seats.
- The booking process of passengers will be improved using AI technology.
16 special quotas that can help you
Railways have made 16 types of special quota from which you can easily get confirmed tickets. Prominent among them are:
- VIP quota
- Female quota
- Disabled quota
- Cancer patient quota
- Senior citizen quota
- Defense personnel quota
If you fall into these categories, you can apply at the respective station and get confirmed tickets.
Difference of online and window booking
Online Booking:
- Automatic refund is available if there is no confirmation.
- Booking stops after the chart is formed.
Window Booking:
- A manual process has to be adopted to get refund.
- Booking continues until the chart is built.
Use IRCTC App
Nowadays through the IRCTC app you can easily see the status of your train:
- Check PNR status.
- Learn seat availability.
- Choose immediate booking options.
Important suggestions
- Always travel with confirmed tickets.
- If your waiting list is long, select the option of immediate or current booking.
- Try to get an empty seat by contacting TTE.
- Be ready to travel in the general compartment.
Disclaimer:
This article provides information based on the rules issued by Indian Railways. If you travel with a waiting ticket, it will be your responsibility to follow the rules of the railway. The Railways has implemented these rules to ensure the convenience and safety of passengers.
