- By Deeksha Gour
- Tue, 17 Jun 2025 04:13 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Indian Railways has introduced a major change in the way waiting list tickets are issued for general quota passengers. From now on, only a fixed number of waiting list tickets will be available across all travel classes—from Sleeper to AC—in a move aimed at managing overcrowding and ensuring passenger comfort.
Indian Railways Waiting List New Rule: Effective From This Monday Across All Classes
The new rule, which came into effect this Monday, applies to trains right from their origin station to all intermediate stops. As per the revised system, each station can issue waiting list tickets up to only 25 per cent more than the allotted general quota seats for that train. Once this limit is reached, the booking will show “no room” or “regret.”
This change follows earlier updates where Aadhaar was made mandatory from July 1 and OTP verification was introduced from July 15 for booking Tatkal tickets. Now, this fresh guideline further affects general quota bookings.
Reason Behind the Change: Overcrowding in Reserved Coaches
Officials said the decision was taken due to frequent issues with excess passengers travelling on waiting list tickets, especially in reserved compartments. According to a circular issued by Shivendra Shukla, Executive Director of Passenger Marketing at Railway Board, the move is expected to bring relief to a large number of passengers nationwide.
Example: What The Rule Means For Dhanbad Trains
To understand the change better—if a train departing from or passing through Dhanbad has 20 general quota seats in Sleeper class, only 5–6 waiting list tickets can be issued after those seats are booked. Similarly, in Third AC, if 10 seats are available, only 3–4 waiting list tickets will be released and in Second AC, only 2–3 such tickets will be allowed.
Indian Railways Waiting List New Rule: Impact Already Visible On Popular Trains
As a result of the new cap, many trains are already showing “no room” status soon after the general quota and limited waiting list tickets are booked. This situation has been observed in trains like Ganga-Sutlej Express, Dhanbad-Alleppey Express, Kolkata-Jammutvi Express and Doon Express, among others. Premium trains such as Howrah-New Delhi Rajdhani, Sealdah-New Delhi Rajdhani and Duronto Express are also reporting no availability on multiple dates through June.
Rule Extended To Tatkal Bookings, With Exceptions
This 25 per cent limit will also be enforced for Tatkal tickets. However, it will not apply to concessional bookings or government warrants. The rule will be valid at both large and small stations, including roadside halts.
Tip For Passengers: Book Beyond Destination For Confirmed Travel
In case of non-availability till a specific destination, passengers can consider booking tickets to a station further ahead. For example, if no seats are available from Dhanbad to Bareilly in the Ganga-Sutlej Express, one can book till Saharanpur instead. Though this may cost more—Second AC fare to Bareilly is Rs 1,840 while to Saharanpur it is Rs 2,155—it ensures confirmed travel.