Passengers found traveling with waiting tickets will be required to disembark at the next station and pay a penalty. AC Coach Penalty: Rs 440 plus the fare to next station; Sleeper Coach Penalty: Rs 250 plus fare to the next station.
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In a significant move, Indian Railways has announced the implementation of stricter rules for passengers holding waiting tickets. According to the new guidelines, passengers with waiting tickets will not be allowed to board reserved coaches, whether the ticket is purchased online or from a counter. Passengers who are found traveling with waiting tickets will be required to disembark at the next station and pay a penalty. This change aims to address the overcrowding issues in reserved coaches and ensure a more comfortable journey for confirmed ticket holders.
For many years, there have been two primary methods for purchasing railway tickets in India. The traditional method involves visiting a counter, filling out a form, and obtaining a ticket. Passengers have the option to accept a waiting ticket if confirmed seats are not available. The second method is online booking through the IRCTC website or app, where the availability of tickets is clearly displayed. If a waiting ticket is purchased online and remains unconfirmed, it is automatically cancelled, and the fare is refunded.
However, there has been a longstanding belief among some passengers that holding a waiting ticket, especially one purchased from a counter, allows them to board reserved coaches like Sleeper or AC classes. This belief has led to confusion and overcrowding in reserved compartments, prompting numerous complaints from confirmed ticket holders. By enforcing these stricter regulations, Indian Railways seeks to enhance the overall travel experience and prioritize the comfort and convenience of confirmed ticket holders.
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Indian Railways New Rule For Passengers Travelling With Waiting Ticket
Under the new regulations, passengers found boarding reserved coaches with waiting tickets will face consequences. They will be deboarded at the next station and will be issued a fine. The penalty comprises the fare from the initial station to the travel point along with a minimum charge of Rs 440.
Passengers holding waiting tickets purchased from a counter have the alternative to travel in general coaches, which do not necessitate reservations. Although this rule has existed previously, the Indian Railways is now placing a stronger emphasis on its enforcement. This decision comes in response to recent grievances regarding overcrowding in reserved coaches.
- Now you will have to pay a penalty for travelling in sleeper and AC coaches by taking waiting and general tickets in trains.
- If you travel on a waiting ticket in AC coach, you will have to pay a penalty of Rs 440 and the fare to the next station.
- If you travel on a waiting ticket in sleeper coach, you will have to pay a penalty of Rs 250 along with the fare to the next station.
- If you travel in AC coach by taking a general ticket, a receipt for higher travels ticket was generated, which has now been discontinued.
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For those with waiting tickets, it is advisable to cancel the ticket from the counter at least half an hour before the train’s departure and make alternative travel arrangements.
