IRCTC Disallows Waiting List Passengers to Travel Sleeper and AC Coach, Effective From May 01:

IRCTC Disallows Waiting List Passengers to Travel Sleeper and AC Coach, Effective From May 01

The Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has disallowed waiting list passengers from travelling in Sleeper and AC coaches of trains as per the newly released regulations. The new rule is set to be effective from May 01, 2025. This change will influence waiting list passengers a lot. Limitations on Reserved Coaches: Individuals who have waiting list tickets, no matter if bought from any online platform or from the railway counter, are now not allowed to travel in AC and sleeper coaches. They are only permitted to travel through ordinary (unreserved) coaches. Limits are set on AC and sleeper coaches. Train ticket checkers (TTEs) have been told to strictly follow these rules. If someone with a waiting list ticket tries to enter a reserved coach at the next station, they will be asked to get off the train and will be fined. The Advance Reservation Period (ARP) has changed; you can now book tickets 60 days in advance instead of 120 days. This means tourists can book train tickets up to 2 months early, not 4 months. Also, to make online booking more secure, an OTP (One-Time Password) is now required for all online ticket bookings. If a passenger wants to travel in AC or sleeper class, they should make sure their ticket is confirmed before the travel date. If their ticket is on the waiting list, they can travel in general coaches, which don’t need a reservation. This gives another option for people who couldn’t get a confirmed seat in reserved classes. Penalties are Applicable for Violating the IRCTC Rule In case an individual is found travelling in AC and sleeper coaches with a waiting list ticket instead of a general coach, then he will be charged the following penalties:

• Sleeper Class: Fine of up to Rs. 250
• AC Class: Fine of up to Rs. 440

Along with this, the one who will violate the rule may also be asked to pay the fare amount from where the train started to the point till the next station, in addition to the penalty amount.