Read,Digital Desk: Indian Railway: Forget about sleeper and AC coaches if your train ticket is on waiting list status. This new rule comes into effect starting May 1, 2025. Those with waiting tickets can only travel in general ‘unreserved’ coaches. Ticket booking made online or at the counter makes no difference. If anyone forcefully travels in sleeper or AC coaches with a waiting ticket, they will be fined.

If caught in a sleeper coach, a fine of up to Rs. 250 will be imposed.

If caught trolling in an AC coach—fine of upto Rs. 440.

Also, such passengers may be offboarded by TTEs at the next station and are liable to pay fare from point of boarding to next station.

Now tickets can only be booked 2 months in advance

Also, there is a restriction on advance booking of train tickets. You can now book train tickets 60 days in advance instead of 120 days. In other words, the capping on advance booking period has been reduced from 4 months to 2 months.

The implementation of mobile OTP verification is now a requirement for booking train tickets online.

Starting now, you will have to verify yourself with a mobile OTP while booking tickets on the IRCTC website or on the app. This verification will help curb and prevent any fake ticket booking and misuse of the system.

The Railways claims that the primary objective of introducing these policies is to manage the volume of passengers within the reserved compartments which enhances comfort and safety of the journey. Hence, if you have a ticket in waiting list, try not to make the unforgivable blunder of sitting in the sleeper or AC coach as you will inevitably get caught, fined, and deboarded.

Read More: Bank Holiday on Saturday, 3 May 2025: Banks to Remain Open