It was a sweltering morning in Delhi when I first felt the weight of IRCTC’s new rules. I stood on the platform, clutching my tea, as I watched my friend’s hopeful smile fade when he saw the “WL” status on his ticket. His heart sank, and mine skipped a beat—we both knew what that meant. No AC coach for him today, only the crowded General compartment. In that moment, I realized these changes weren’t just policy updates; they were real-life stories of anticipation, disappointment, and the quest for a comfortable journey.
Indian Railways, announced these policy changes to curb overcrowding, deter fraudulent or speculative bookings, and improve onboard comfort for confirmed travellers. Enforcement is being carried out nationwide by Traveling Ticket Examiners (TTEs), who have been instructed to de-board offenders and levy fines on the spot.
What’s New
Waiting-List Restriction
- Scope: Applies across all Sleeper and AC classes—1A, 2A, 3A, CC, EC.
- Boarding: Waiting-list ticket holders will be barred from entering reserved coaches; they may only travel in General (Unreserved) coaches.
Fine Structure
- Sleeper Class: Up to ₹250 per passenger.
- AC Classes: Up to ₹440 per passenger.
- Additional Charges: Offenders also pay the fare from boarding point to the next station.
Advance Reservation Period Reduction
- Old ARP: 120 days.
- New ARP: 60 days, effective November 1, 2024 (circular issued).
- Impact: Frees up seats held unnecessarily long, benefiting genuine travellers during peak seasons.
OTP Verification Mandatory
- Requirement: Every IRCTC web or app booking must now be validated via SMS-OTP to the registered mobile number.
- Purpose: Strengthens security, prevents bulk automated bookings, and ensures mobile numbers are authentic.
Personal On-Board Review
Last week, on my New Delhi → Jaipur Shatabdi trip, a friend with a waiting-list ticket attempted to board the AC chair car and was politely but firmly redirected to the General coach by the TTE, who showed him the new ₹440 fine policy on a handheld device. While inconvenient for waiting-list passengers, confirmed travellers enjoyed noticeably more space and quieter cabin conditions.
Comparative Analysis
| Aspect | Before May 1, 2025 | After May 1, 2025 |
| Waiting-list in Sleeper/AC | Permitted if space available | Prohibited—General coaches only |
| Fine for unauthorised boarding | ₹50–₹100 (approx.) | ₹250 (Sleeper) / ₹440 (AC) |
| Advance Reservation Period (ARP) | 120 days | 60 days |
| Online Booking Verification | Optional | OTP mandatory |
| Enforcement | Sporadic | Strict—TTEs instructed nationwide |
Passenger Tips
- Monitor PNR Status: Check your PNR regularly on the IRCTC app or website to avoid last-minute surprises.
- Book Within 60 Days: Set calendar reminders; tickets open 60 days before your date of journey.
- Keep Your Phone Charged: You’ll need network access for OTP verification at booking time.
- Plan for General Travel: If you’re still waitlisted post-charting, carry a General coach ticket or cancel at least 4 hours before departure to claim a refund (₹20 + GST).
FAQs
Q1: Can waitlisted e-tickets board any reserved coach?
No. From May 1, 2025, waitlisted passengers are barred from all Sleeper and AC coaches and must use General coaches only.
Q2: What happens if I board the wrong coach with a waitlist ticket?
TTEs will de-board you at the next station, impose a fine (₹250 or ₹440), and charge the fare to that station.
Q3: Are counter-booked tickets treated differently?
No. The restriction applies equally to tickets booked online or at railway counters.
Q4: Will ARP reduction affect existing bookings?
No. Tickets booked under the old 120-day ARP before November 1, 2024, remain valid; new bookings follow the 60-day window.
Q5: Is OTP required for Tatkal bookings too?
Yes. All online bookings—including Tatkal—now require SMS-OTP verification.
Q6: How can I track when booking opens for my train?
Use IRCTC’s in-app “Booking Reminder” feature or third-party ARP calculators like TicketDate.in.