No Reserved Travel for Waitlisted Tickets? Major Indian Railway Reforms Kick In 2025

🚆 Key Indian Railways Rule Changes from May 1, 2025

By Reza | May 2025 | 2-Min Read 

1. No Reserved Travel for Waitlisted Passengers

Passengers holding waitlisted tickets are now prohibited from boarding Sleeper and AC coaches. They must travel in General (Unreserved) coaches. Violations incur fines: up to ₹250 for Sleeper class and ₹440 for AC class, plus fare from the boarding point to the next station.

2. Automatic Ticket Upgrades

Waitlisted passengers may receive automatic upgrades to higher classes, up to two levels above the original booking, if seats are available. This applies to full-fare tickets, including those under senior citizen and lower berth quotas. Upgrades are confined within the sitting or sleeping categories.

3. Advance Reservation Period (ARP) Reduced

The ARP has been shortened from 120 days to 60 days, requiring passengers to plan and book tickets closer to their travel dates. 

4. Mandatory OTP Verification for Online Bookings

All online ticket bookings via the IRCTC website or app now require OTP-based mobile verification, enhancing security and reducing fraudulent bookings. 

5. Digital Medical Referrals for Railway Employees

Over 6.6 million beneficiaries under the Indian Railways Health Services (IRHS) will now receive mandatory digital referrals for treatments at approximately 1,500 empanelled hospitals, streamlining the healthcare process.

6. Amrit Bharat Station Scheme Expansion

Under this initiative, over 1,300 stations are being redeveloped into modern, inclusive city centres. Uttar Pradesh leads with 157 stations undergoing transformation, incorporating amenities like LED displays, waiting lounges, and disabled-friendly infrastructure.

7. 'Operation Sindoor' Commemorations

To honour India's armed forces and commemorate 'Operation Sindoor,' Indian Railways will play patriotic jingles after announcements at stations and earmark specific seats in all reserved coaches and waiting areas for defence personnel. Train coaches will also feature exterior wraps celebrating the operation's success.