Indian Railways has implemented a series of new rules effective from March 1, 2025, aimed at enhancing passenger convenience, safety, and overall travel experience.
These changes encompass stricter boarding regulations for waitlisted passengers, a reduced advance reservation period, expedited refund processes, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) for seat allocation. Under the new regulations, passengers holding waitlisted tickets are no longer permitted to board sleeper or air-conditioned coaches. Instead, they are restricted to general coaches. This measure is intended to alleviate overcrowding in reserved compartments and ensure a more comfortable journey for confirmed ticket holders. Violations of this rule may result in penalties of up to ₹440, depending on the class of travel and the distance covered
 120 days to 60 days. This change aims to reduce the number of cancellations and no-shows, which previously accounted for approximately 21% and 5% of bookings, respectively, in the 61 to 120-day window. By limiting the booking window, the railways intend to encourage more genuine bookings and improve seat availability To further enhance the booking experience, the refund process for cancelled tickets has been expedited. Passengers can now expect refunds to be processed within two working days, a significant improvement from the earlier timeline that could extend up to a week. This applies to both online and counter bookings linked directly to a bank account.
In a move towards digitalisation, Indian Railways now requires an OTP (One-Time Password) for ticket bookings through the IRCTC website or app. This additional verification step is designed to authenticate the identity of the person booking the ticket and mitigate the risk of fraudulent reservations. The integration of AI into the seat allocation process marks a significant technological advancement. The AI system analyses passenger data and predicts seat availability after reservation charts are prepared, which occurs four hours before departure. This automated approach facilitates more effective distribution of seats to waitlisted travellers, thereby increasing the likelihood of ticket confirmations.
Collectively, these reforms reflect Indian Railways’ commitment to modernising its operations and enhancing passenger satisfaction. By addressing issues such as overcrowding, fraudulent bookings, and inefficient seat allocation, the railways aim to provide a more streamlined and comfortable travel experience for all passengers.
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