Can We Travel with Waiting Ticket in Sleeper and AC Coach IRCTC New Rule Explained
Imagine boarding your favorite train ride, ticket in hand, dreaming of a comfortable Sleeper or AC journey — only to be stopped by the TTE! Sounds stressful, right? Well, from May 1, 2025, a major shift in Indian Railways policy could change how you travel. If you’re wondering Can We Travel with Waiting Ticket in Sleeper and AC Coach, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to avoid unexpected fines and travel smoothly!
Contents
What Has Changed?
Starting May 1, 2025, Indian Railways, through IRCTC, has enforced strict rules regarding waiting list tickets. According to Bharat Details, passengers with waiting list tickets are no longer allowed to travel in Sleeper or Air-Conditioned (AC) coaches. This applies whether the ticket was booked online at IRCTC or physically at a railway counter.
Instead, waiting list passengers must travel only in General (Unreserved) coaches, where no advance reservation is needed.
What Are the Penalties If You Violate the New Rule?
If you’re caught travelling with a waiting ticket in a reserved coach, be ready for some heavy fines. Here’s what you need to know:
- Sleeper Class: Fine of up to ₹250
- AC Class: Fine of up to ₹440
- Additional Fare: You may also be charged the fare from your boarding station to the next station.
Moreover, Travelling Ticket Examiners (TTEs) have been ordered to disembark and fine violators at the very next station.
Why This Big Change?
The decision comes after months of witnessing massive overcrowding on trains, especially during large events like the Maha Kumbh Mela. Viral videos flooded social media showing people squeezing into Sleeper and AC bogies without confirmed tickets.
To ease the experience for passengers holding confirmed tickets and prevent overcrowding, Indian Railways introduced these stricter measures. As per Bharat Details, the main aim is to ensure a safe, comfortable, and organized journey for all travelers.
Other Important Changes You Should Know
Not just the travel rules, IRCTC has announced a few other updates that will impact how you plan your train journeys:
- Advance Reservation Period (ARP) has been reduced from 120 days to 60 days. Now, you can book your tickets only two months in advance.
- OTP Verification is now mandatory for all online ticket purchases to enhance security and avoid misuse.
Quick Guide: How to Book Train Tickets on IRCTC
Booking your train tickets has become more secure and easier. Here’s a simple guide:
- Sign Up / Log In
Visit www.irctc.co.in or download the IRCTC Rail Connect app. Create an account or log in. - Search Trains
Enter your departure and arrival stations, travel date, and class. Click on “Find Trains.” - Enter Passenger Details
Fill out passenger details like name, age, gender, berth preference, and mobile number. - Make Payment
Choose your payment method (UPI, card, net banking, etc.) and complete OTP verification if required. - Get Your Ticket
Download your e-ticket or check your SMS/email for confirmation. Remember to carry a valid ID while traveling.
FAQs: Indian Railways New Rules Effective May 1, 2025
1. Can We Travel with Waiting Ticket in Sleeper and AC Coach?
No. Passengers with waiting list tickets are only allowed to travel in General (Unreserved) coaches.
2. What If I Still Board Sleeper or AC Coach with a Waiting Ticket?
You will be deboarded and fined ₹250 in Sleeper Class or ₹440 in AC Class. Plus, you might have to pay extra fare.
3. Can TTEs Enforce These Rules?
Absolutely. TTEs are instructed to strictly penalize and remove violators at the next station.
4. Has the Ticket Booking Window Changed?
Yes. You can now book train tickets up to 60 days (2 months) in advance, instead of 120 days.
5. Is OTP Verification Now Compulsory for Online Bookings?
Yes. Every online booking must go through OTP verification to ensure security.
Traveling by train is set to become more comfortable and safer for confirmed ticket holders, thanks to these new regulations. So if you are planning your journey, ensure you have a confirmed ticket for Sleeper or AC coaches, or else prepare for a ride in the General compartment!
For more updates like this, keep visiting Bharat Details.
