Indian Railways has rolled out a big change for passengers booking general quota tickets. Now, there’s a strict limit on the number of waiting list tickets available for all travel classes—be it Sleeper, AC, or others. This move is designed to reduce overcrowding and make journeys more comfortable for everyone.
What’s the New Rule?
Starting this week, every train station can only issue waiting list tickets up to 25% more than the number of general quota seats for each class. Once this limit is reached, the booking system will show “no room” or “regret,” and no more waiting list tickets will be available.
The main reason is to tackle the problem of overcrowding in reserved coaches. Many passengers with waiting list tickets end up traveling in reserved compartments, leading to discomfort for everyone. By limiting the number of waiting list tickets, Indian Railways aims to make train journeys safer and more pleasant.
Many popular trains are already showing “no room” status shortly after ticket bookings open. This includes trains like the Ganga-Sutlej Express, Dhanbad-Alleppey Express, Kolkata-Jammutvi Express, and Doon Express. Even premium trains such as the Rajdhani and Duronto are seeing tickets sell out quickly.
What About Tatkal Tickets?
The new 25% cap also applies to Tatkal bookings. However, this rule does not affect concessional tickets or government warrant bookings. Whether you’re booking from a big city or a small roadside station, the rule remains the same.
Smart Booking Tip for Passengers
If you can’t find a ticket to your desired destination, try booking to the next station on the route. For example, if you want to travel from Dhanbad to Bareilly but tickets are sold out, book till Saharanpur instead. It might cost a bit more, but you’ll secure a confirmed seat.
