No More Boarding Reserved Coaches with Waiting Tickets: Railways Enforces Strict Penalties from May 1

New Delhi: In a significant move to tighten passenger discipline and safeguard the rights of confirmed ticket holders, the Ministry of Railways has implemented new travel regulations effective May 1, 2025. As per the updated policy, passengers carrying only waiting list tickets will no longer be allowed to travel in reserved coaches. Those violating the rule will face hefty penalties, full fare recovery, and possible ejection from the train.

Under the new enforcement, Train Ticket Examiners (TTEs) have been granted authority to remove unauthorized travelers from reserved compartments. This crackdown addresses the long-standing issue of overcrowding and unauthorized occupation of reserved seats by passengers with waiting tickets.

Warning to PassengersThe Indian Railways has issued a clear advisory to passengers, urging them not to board trains with only a waiting list ticket, regardless of whether it was booked online or at a station counter. Waiting list tickets do not guarantee a seat or the right to travel in reserved compartments, and attempting to do so is now a punishable offense.

Penalties Include:

• Full fare recovery for unauthorized travel

• Monetary fines as per railway rules

• Immediate removal from the train by authorized personnel

Railway officials state that the initiative is part of a larger effort to modernize travel standards, promote transparency, and ensure comfort and safety for genuine passengers. This step is also expected to reduce altercations between passengers and prevent crowding in coaches meant for confirmed travelers.

With over 2 crore passengers traveling daily, Indian Railways aims to deliver a smoother, more disciplined travel experience by strictly implementing these rules.