Indian Railways has introduced a cap on waitlisted tickets across long-distance trains, limiting it to 25% of the total capacity in each class. The policy, enforced from June 16, is being hailed as a critical step towards streamlining passenger boarding and enhancing travel experience across one of the world’s busiest rail networks.
The Railway Board’s directive, aimed at improving ground-level operations, mandates that Sleeper, AC 3-Tier, AC 2-Tier, and First AC coaches will no longer carry an unchecked number of waitlisted passengers. Previously, the volume of waitlist tickets varied between zones and often surged to 40% or more of total seat capacity, especially during festive seasons. In extreme cases, individual trains were known to carry 500–700 waitlisted bookings, causing widespread chaos.
Railway officials confirmed that the new 25% threshold will apply at originating stations, roadside stations, remote ticketing locations, and even Tatkal bookings. For instance, if a 3AC coach holds 72 berths, only 18 additional waitlist tickets may now be issued. Exceptions will be made for concession-based passengers including persons with disabilities and certain women categories, who will remain outside this quota.The impact of this reform is already being felt across key junctions such as Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Dadar, and Panvel, which often see massive footfall during peak travel periods like Ganesh Chaturthi or Diwali. The infamous stampede at Surat station in November 2023—largely attributed to overbooking and overcrowding—has lent further urgency to such reforms.
Security forces too are expected to benefit from the move. According to Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel, the unchecked influx of waitlisted passengers was making crowd control and boarding management near-impossible during high-demand windows. With the waitlist curtailed, pressure on the system is likely to ease, reducing risks associated with overcrowding.Passenger associations in Mumbai have welcomed the decision. Representatives expressed optimism that it would lead to more peaceful train journeys, as valid ticket holders often faced conflict from unconfirmed passengers occupying reserved spaces. For decades, such friction has tarnished the long-distance train experience, particularly in non-AC classes.
From a systems management standpoint, the cap also improves transparency. Passengers will now have a clearer view of ticket availability at the point of booking, enabling better travel planning. Railway officials suggest that, while short-term revenue may be impacted, the long-term gains in operational efficiency and commuter trust are far more valuable.With Indian Railways generating ₹75,500 crore in passenger revenue in FY 2024–25, the balancing act between revenue assurance and passenger welfare is delicate. However, this latest initiative signals a willingness to prioritise dignity and safety over unregulated monetisation of overcrowded services.
Whether this leads to a sustained shift in crowd dynamics or paves the way for further digitised and demand-responsive ticketing systems remains to be seen. For now, the move marks a significant turn in modernising railway operations and making public transport more civil, predictable, and inclusive—especially in urban centres like Mumbai where station infrastructure is stretched thin.
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