Indian Railways has introduced new waitlist limits across all travel classes, capping the number of waiting list tickets issued between 40 to 60 percent of total seat capacity depending on the category. This structural change aims to bring greater transparency to train reservations, curb misuse by unauthorised agents, and improve the overall passenger booking experience.
The reformed system now mandates that in premier services like Rajdhani and Shatabdi, waiting tickets in Executive and First Class will not exceed 60 percent of available seats. Meanwhile, in Chair Car and Sleeper categories of the same trains, the cap will be set at 40 percent. In regular mail and express trains, Second and Third AC, along with Chair Car, will follow the 60 percent limit. For Executive and First AC classes in non-premium services, waitlisted tickets can be issued up to double the actual seating capacity, but not beyond. According to senior railway officials, this reform is long overdue and intended to rein in the manipulation of the reservation system by touts. The previous framework allowed waiting lists to grow unchecked, often leading to ticket scalping and inflated speculative bookings, especially during high-demand seasons. By implementing fixed percentage-based limits, the Railways hopes to align ticketing with real passenger demand while removing distortions caused by overbooking.
The Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS), which oversees the technical backend of ticketing operations, has been instructed to enforce these changes uniformly across the country. The Railway Board’s initial directive on this matter, issued in April, has now been fully integrated into the central reservation system. Zonal railways, including those in Madhya Pradesh, have already begun implementation, with some officials reporting improved booking behaviour and increased availability for genuine passengers. This quota-based reservation model brings a layer of predictability for travellers, allowing them to assess confirmation chances more accurately at the time of booking. Railway authorities believe this shift not only curbs illegal practices but also ensures more equitable access, especially in economically accessible categories like Sleeper and Chair Car. It also helps Indian Railways better manage occupancy rates, providing a more efficient allocation of capacity while enhancing the experience for end users.
While the transition may require some operational adjustments in the short term, officials remain confident that the reform will stabilise booking systems and further strengthen passenger trust. The Railway Board considers this part of a larger modernisation strategy, aimed at improving efficiency, fairness, and digital governance across the rail network. For passengers, the change means a clearer understanding of booking probabilities and a more accountable ticketing process. This new reservation framework is expected to strengthen Indian Railways’ ongoing digital reforms and make the national transporter’s services more transparent, efficient, and citizen-centric.
Also Read : RailTel Secures ₹264 Cr Kavach Deal with East Central Railway
