Indian Railways has slashed the number of waiting list tickets to just 25% of total available berths. The new rule, aimed at improving passenger experience and ensuring safety, is set to roll out this week.
Under the new system, once the 25% threshold of waiting list tickets is reached for a train, no further bookings will be allowed, ensuring that only confirmed or reasonably hopeful travelers board long-distance trains.
Previously, waiting lists on popular routes often soared past 300 passengers, causing chaos, on-board disputes, and safety risks as many attempted travel despite having no confirmed seats.
Exemptions will continue for special categories such as differently-abled individuals, defense personnel, and passengers under concessionary quotas. But for general ticket buyers, the message is clear: “No berth, no travel.”
This uniform cap replaces a patchwork of earlier guidelines, aiming to bring clarity and consistency across the railway network. Officials say the move will reduce rush, improve predictability, and make long-distance train journeys safer and more comfortable for everyone.
