Dec 14 Bookings Open! New Indian Railways Rules & Special Trains
Indian Railways has officially opened the reservation window for travel on December 14, 2026. Following the standard 60-day Advance Reservation Period (ARP) policy, passengers can now secure their seats starting from 8:00 AM IST on October 15, 2026, through both the IRCTC portal and physical Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters.
New Rules for Payments and Insurance
As part of recent operational updates, travelers should be aware of changes regarding digital payments. Effective October 15, 2026, a flat Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) of ₹5 is being applied to UPI payments for ticket bookings that exceed ₹2,000. However, railway officials have clarified that this cost will not be passed on to the passengers.
In a major development following a Supreme Court mandate, insurance coverage for all counter-purchased tickets will be extended starting October 27, 2026. This move aligns offline ticket benefits with online services, providing coverage of up to ₹10 lakh for death or permanent total disability.
Festive Season: 8,000 Special Trains Announced
To accommodate the massive surge in passenger demand during the upcoming festive season, Indian Railways has notified over 8,000 special train trips. These services are specifically designed to manage the heavy rush during Diwali and Chhath Puja. Notable services include:
- Varanasi to Jammu Tawi festival special services
- Delhi Junction to Howrah festival special services
Strict Enforcement and Maintenance Alerts
Mobile Etiquette and Ticket Checking
Passengers are advised to be mindful of their conduct while traveling. Southern Railway has intensified enforcement regarding mobile phone etiquette. Travelers who create noise disturbances or fail to use earphones may face fines of up to ₹5,000 or even imprisonment for up to six months.
Furthermore, a nationwide intensive ticket-checking campaign is currently in effect from October 1 to October 31, 2026. Authorities are urging all passengers to carry their original identification to avoid any inconvenience during inspections.
Track Maintenance in Hyderabad Division
Travelers planning routes through the Hyderabad Division of South Central Railway should prepare for disruptions. Due to ongoing track maintenance scheduled throughout October and November 2026, the division has announced:
- Partial train cancellations
- Service delays of up to 60 minutes