IRCTC Update: Indian Railways considers allowing travel in general coach with online waiting tickets
The Indian Rail Ministry is planning a major change in the auto-cancellation rule for online waiting tickets. Currently, online tickets that remain waitlisted after chart preparation are automatically cancelled. Under the proposed new rules, these tickets will remain valid, allowing passengers to travel in the general coach of the train.
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How will the new waiting ticket rule work?
If this proposal is implemented, crores of passengers who book tickets online will no longer face automatic cancellation of their waitlisted tickets. Instead of the ticket becoming invalid after the chart is prepared, passengers will have the option to use the same digital ticket to travel in the general category coaches. This move is expected to benefit around 11 crore people who previously had to buy separate general tickets or cancel their plans.
What are the current rules for waiting ticket holders?
From June 1, 2026, the railway has strictly prohibited waiting ticket holders from traveling in sleeper or AC coaches to reduce overcrowding and ensure comfort for confirmed passengers. If a passenger is caught in a reserved coach with a waiting ticket, they will be fined and moved to the general coach or dropped at the next station. Additionally, since June 20, 2026, the minimum fine for traveling without a ticket has been increased from ₹250 to ₹500 under the Jan Vishwas Act 2026.
Key updates on railway rules and fines
| Detail | Update/Rule |
|---|---|
| Online Waiting Tickets | Proposed validity for General Coach travel |
| Reserved Coach Entry | Prohibited for waiting ticket holders (since June 1, 2026) |
| Ticketless Fine | Increased from ₹250 to ₹500 (since June 20, 2026) |
| Estimated Beneficiaries | Approximately 11 crore passengers |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
क्या ऑनलाइन वेटिंग टिकट अब ऑटो-कैंसिल नहीं होगा?
रेल मंत्रालय इस नियम को हटाने पर विचार कर रहा है। यदि यह लागू होता है, तो चार्ट बनने के बाद भी ऑनलाइन वेटिंग टिकट मान्य रहेगा और यात्री जनरल डिब्बे में सफर कर सकेंगे।
बिना टिकट यात्रा करने पर अब कितना जुर्माना लगेगा?
20 जून 2026 से जन विश्वास अधिनियम के तहत बिना टिकट यात्रा करने पर न्यूनतम जुर्माना ₹250 से बढ़ाकर ₹500 कर दिया गया है।