Major Changes for Sleeper, AC, and Tatkal Services in 2025.
Indian Railways has implemented new ticket booking rules effective from May 1.
These changes apply to ticket booking, reservations, refunds, and other related railway services.
Indian Railways has announced important updates for passengers, introducing major changes to the ticket booking system. These new rules aim to enhance customer convenience and improve system transparency.
Railways ticket booking new rules 2025
Rules for Sleeper/AC coaches
According to the new rules, waiting list tickets will now apply only to General (Unreserved) coaches. Passengers with waiting list tickets will not be allowed to travel in Sleeper or AC coaches under any circumstances. If anyone is found traveling in these reserved classes with a waiting list ticket, they will be liable to pay a hefty fine or may be asked to deboard the train.
Changes in advance train reservation
Till now, Railways allowed booking for trains 120 days before the travel date. However, the time limit has been changed and according to the new rules, passengers will now be allowed to book train tickets only 60 days in advance. With the new rule, passengers will now have less problems booking tickets and facing long waiting lists.
New rules for Tatkal services
From May 1, Aadhaar Verification will become mandatory for Tatkal ticket booking. Also, no refund will be issued on a confirmed Tatkal ticket. Agent bookings are blocked for the first 30 minutes to prioritize regular passengers.
Railways has also made changes in the prices of some services. Earlier reservation ticket charges were from Rs 20 to Rs 60, now they will be from Rs 30 to Rs 80. The charges for superfast trains will now be from Rs 20 to Rs 100 up from Rs 15 to Rs 75. Tatkal ticket charges will also be changed and will now be Rs 20 to Rs 600 from an earlier price of Rs 10 to Rs 500.