In a move aimed at improving the travel experience for confirmed ticket holders, Indian Railways is considering stricter enforcement of rules regarding travel with waiting list tickets.
This decision, which could affect millions of passengers, includes penalties and the possibility of passengers being deboarded by ticket checkers if found traveling with a waiting list ticket in reserved compartments.
Key Changes:
- Strict Enforcement: From July 1st, passengers with waiting list tickets will be strictly prohibited from traveling in reserved compartments (AC or Sleeper). This applies regardless of whether the ticket was purchased offline at a station or online.
- Penalties and Deboarding: Ticket checkers have been instructed to enforce these rules strictly. Passengers found violating the rules could face a penalty of ₹440 and may be deboarded from the train.
- General Compartment Option: Ticket checkers have the authority to direct waiting list ticket holders to travel in general compartments if found in reserved ones.
Current Rule and Changes:
- Current Rule: Traditionally, passengers with waiting list tickets purchased offline were allowed to travel in reserved compartments if they had no other option.
- Change: The new rule strictly prohibits this practice, aiming to ensure reserved compartments are available only for confirmed ticket holders.
Reason for the Change:
- Passenger Complaints: Indian Railways has received numerous complaints (around 5,000) from passengers regarding the inconvenience caused by waiting list ticket holders occupying reserved seats.
- Historical Context: Officials pointed out that the prohibition on traveling with waiting list tickets in reserved compartments has existed since the British era but has not been strictly enforced.
What Passengers Should Do:
- Cancellation and Refund: If your ticket remains on the waiting list, you should cancel it and get a refund instead of attempting to travel in a reserved compartment.
- General Compartment: As an alternative, you can travel in the general compartment if a confirmed reserved seat is not available.
Official Statements:
- Railway Officials: They emphasized that the rule is not new and has been in place for a long time, but stricter enforcement is necessary to ensure the convenience and comfort of confirmed ticket holders.
Passengers are advised to stay informed about these changes and plan their travel accordingly to avoid penalties and inconvenience.
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