Lucknow: In a landmark move to enhance passenger convenience and control overcrowding during peak seasons, Indian Railways has introduced a new rule limiting the issuance of waiting tickets to just 25% of the total seat capacity in each train class. The decision, aimed at ensuring smoother travel experiences and addressing long-standing issues of overbooking, has already been communicated to all railway zones.
As per the directive from the Railway Board, waiting ticket quotas across AC First Class, Second AC, Third AC, Chair Car, and Sleeper classes will now be restricted to a maximum of 25% of the available seats. For instance, if a train class has 100 seats, only 25 waiting tickets can now be issued.
Why This Rule Was Needed
During festive seasons, trains often witnessed waiting lists of 300 in Sleeper class and over 150 in Chair Cars, leading to severe overcrowding. Many passengers with unconfirmed tickets would board trains regardless, creating discomfort for confirmed ticket holders and compromising travel safety.
This newly introduced cap is based on data indicating that 20-25% of waiting tickets typically get confirmed once the final chart is prepared. By limiting waiting ticket issuance to that bracket, the Railways aims to eliminate false hope, reduce crowding, and offer a more predictable travel experience.
Exceptions to the Rule
The new rule does not apply to tickets issued under special concessions or government warrants, such as:
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Divyang (Differently-abled) passengers
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Senior citizens
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Military personnel traveling on official warrants
These categories remain exempt from the 25% cap to ensure that beneficiaries of government schemes continue to receive prioritized support.
Previous Waiting Ticket Norms
Under the 2013 Railway Board circular, the following limits were in place:
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AC First Class: 30 waiting tickets
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Second AC: 100
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Third AC: 300
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Sleeper Class: 400
However, there was no cap based on the proportional seating capacity, which allowed waiting lists to balloon during high-demand periods.
Impact on Popular Trains
The revised norms will be applicable across all categories of trains, including:
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Rajdhani Express
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Shatabdi Express
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Duronto Express
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Mail and Express services
Railway Officials Speak
Railway officials believe this move will significantly improve travel hygiene, reduce mismanagement in coaches, and offer greater clarity to passengers on their booking status.
“The new system is designed to discourage passengers with slim chances of confirmation from boarding, thereby improving the travel experience for all,” a senior railway official stated.
With the implementation of this rule, Indian Railways takes a firm step toward structured and passenger-centric reforms, especially crucial during peak travel seasons.
