From May 1, 2025, Indian Railways has implemented new regulations banning passengers holding waiting list tickets from travelling in Sleeper and Air-Conditioned (AC) coaches. Only confirmed ticket holders will be allowed in these reserved compartments to reduce overcrowding and improve passenger comfort.
Violators face fines of up to ₹250 for Sleeper class and ₹440 for AC class, along with fare charges from their boarding point to the next station. The Advance Reservation Period (ARP) has been shortened from 120 days to 60 days, and One-Time Password (OTP) verification is now mandatory for all online ticket bookings to enhance security and prevent misuse.
New Regulations to Improve Passenger Comfort and Orderliness
Indian Railways has taken a decisive step to enhance the travel experience by enforcing stricter rules on reserved coach occupancy. Under the new policy, passengers holding waiting list tickets are prohibited from travelling in Sleeper and AC coaches, which are now exclusively reserved for confirmed ticket holders.
Traveling Ticket Examiners (TTEs) have been instructed to rigorously enforce these regulations across the network. Passengers found violating the rules will be fined up to ₹250 in Sleeper class and ₹440 in AC class, and may also be required to pay the fare from their boarding station to the next stop.
This move aims to reduce overcrowding, prevent ticket misuse, and ensure a more orderly and comfortable journey for passengers with confirmed reservations.
Railway officials have highlighted that this policy is designed to prioritise passenger comfort and safety, especially during peak travel seasons when overcrowding is a major concern. “Our goal is to ensure that confirmed ticket holders can travel without the inconvenience caused by unauthorised passengers occupying reserved seats,” said a senior official from the Ministry of Railways.
The introduction of OTP verification for all online bookings further strengthens ticket security, preventing fraudulent bookings and ensuring that tickets are used by genuine passengers.
Addressing Longstanding Challenges: Overcrowding and Ticket Misuse
The new regulations come in response to persistent issues faced by Indian Railways, including overcrowding in reserved coaches and misuse of waiting list tickets. Previously, many passengers with waiting list tickets boarded Sleeper and AC coaches, leading to disputes and discomfort for confirmed passengers.
This often resulted in chaotic situations and complaints about lack of space and inadequate facilities. By restricting access strictly to confirmed ticket holders, Indian Railways aims to streamline operations and reduce such conflicts.
In addition to the travel restrictions, the Advance Reservation Period has been reduced from 120 days to 60 days. This change allows passengers to book tickets closer to their travel dates, which is expected to improve ticket availability and reduce the number of waiting list passengers. The mandatory OTP verification for online bookings is a new security measure intended to curb ticket scalping and misuse, ensuring that bookings are authentic and traceable.
Passenger advocacy groups have welcomed the move, stating that it will improve the overall travel experience. However, some have expressed concerns about the impact on those who frequently travel on waiting list tickets and rely on last-minute travel options. Indian Railways has advised such passengers to use General (Unreserved) coaches, which do not require confirmed reservations.
Expert Advice on Navigating the New Rules
Railway officials and travel experts recommend passengers plan their journeys well in advance, making full use of the reduced 60-day Advance Reservation Period to secure confirmed tickets. They emphasise the importance of digital literacy and encourage travellers to use IRCTC’s official online platforms and mobile apps, which now require mandatory OTP verification to prevent fraudulent bookings and ensure ticket authenticity.
Transport analysts also suggest that passengers who often depend on waiting list tickets explore alternative travel options such as General (Unreserved) coaches or consider flexible travel dates to adapt to the new regulations. Experts highlight that the recently introduced AI-driven dynamic seat allocation system by Indian Railways will help optimise seat availability over time, reducing last-minute booking pressures.
Overall, specialists advise embracing these changes as positive steps toward a more organised and comfortable rail travel experience. They also call on Indian Railways to continue passenger education campaigns to ease the transition and address concerns related to last-minute travel needs.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Indian Railways’ enforcement of these new regulations marks a positive step towards creating a more comfortable, secure, and orderly environment for train travellers.
While the restrictions may initially inconvenience some passengers, especially those accustomed to travelling on waiting list tickets, the policy promotes fairness by ensuring that confirmed ticket holders receive the service they paid for. This approach aligns with values of empathy and respect, balancing individual needs with the collective good.
The introduction of OTP verification and a shorter reservation window further reflects Indian Railways’ commitment to modernising its services and enhancing passenger accountability. These measures encourage responsible travel planning and discourage misuse, contributing to a more harmonious travel experience for all.
