Indian Railways has recently made major changes in the rules related to waiting tickets. This step has been taken to provide better convenience and travel experience to passengers. The problem of waiting tickets has been a challenge for Indian Railways for a long time. Many times passengers try to travel with waiting tickets, increasing the crowd in reserved coaches. The purpose of the new rules is to solve this problem and make the journey more easy.
In this article, we will tell you in detail about waiting tickets, information about penalty, and other important announcements made by the Railways.
New rules on waiting ticket: 2025 update
Indian Railways has implemented several new rules related to waiting tickets. The purpose of these rules is to ensure that only the passengers with confirmed tickets travel in reserved coaches.
Main changes:
- Travel ban on waiting tickets:
Now passengers with waiting tickets cannot travel in reserved coaches (sleeper and AC). If a passenger is found doing so, he will be removed at the next station and fined. - Refund on online booking:
If the waiting tickets booked online through IRCTC are not confirmed, their money will be returned automatically. - fines and penalties:
- Traveling on waiting ticket in sleeper coach will be imposed a minimum fine of ₹ 250.
- This fine in AC coach can be up to ₹ 440.
- Permission in General Coach:
Passengers with waiting tickets can only travel in general coaches. Admission to reserved coaches will not be allowed.
Railway solution offered by railway
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav has announced that the problem of waiting list has been targeted to be completely abolished by 2030-31. For this, three multi-models economic corridors are being built, which will increase the capacity of the railway network.
Important facts related to waiting tickets
| Description | Acquaintance |
| Applied date | 2025 |
| Traveling restriction | Waiting ticket not valid in reserved coaches |
| Fine | ₹ 250 (Sleeper), ₹ 440 (AC) |
| Refund process | Automated refund on online booking |
| Solution target | Waiting list ended by 2030-31 |
| other options | Permission to travel in general coach |
Other information related to waiting tickets
What to do if the seat is vacant?
If your ticket is in waiting and a seat in the train sleeper or AC coach is vacant, you can contact TTE (traveling ticket examiner). TTE can allot that seat to you, provided it is available. Additional fees will not be charged for this.
Use of new technology
Indian Railways is now using AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology to reduce the length of the waiting list. This technique will ensure that only a limited number of waiting tickets are issued.
Types of waiting tickets and their meanings
Indian Railways issues different types of waiting list tickets. Here information about them is given:
- General Waiting List (WL):
This is the most common type of waiting list, which is more likely to have more chances of confirmation. - RAC (RAC):
In this, two passengers share the same berth. If a confirmed ticket is canceled, this seat is given to RAC passengers. - Poold Quota Waiting List (PQWL):
This is for passengers who travel from stations between the train. - Tatkal quota waiting list (tqwl):
This list under TATKAL Booking is less confirmed. - Remote location waiting list (RLWL):
This list is made for passengers traveling from small stations.
Other important announcements by Indian Railways
- Advanced Reservation Period (ARP) reduced:
Now you can book tickets only 60 days before the train journey. Earlier this period was 120 days. - Cleaning and focus on food quality:
AI based cameras are now being used to ensure railway stations and kitchen cleaning. - Better seat allocation:
The AI model now analyzes seat availability after the chart is ready, which provides better service to the passengers.
conclusion
These changes made by Indian Railways will prove to be a major relief for the passengers. This will not only reduce congestion, but will also improve travel experience. However, passengers will be required to follow these rules so that they do not have any discomfort.
Disclaimer:
This article is written with the objective of providing information. Please note that the above information is based on the official announcements released by the Railways. If you have any special question, contact the railway authorities or the IRCTC website.
