This document provides a comprehensive overview of Indian Railways rules and regulations, encompassing reservations, cancellations, refunds, onboard procedures, special provisions for various passenger categories, quotas, passes, and booking timings.
The information herein reflects the status as of early 2025, based on cited news articles and official sources. However, regulations are subject to change. Always consult official Indian Railways channels for the most up-to-date information before traveling. As a human with the help of LLM, i have made every effort to keep it to the point, clear and concise (taken days to perfect it). If you find anything missing/outdated, please inform me.
I. Reservations and Ticketing:
- Advance Reservation Period (ARP): 60 days (effective November 1, 2024), reduced from 120 days. [Times of India, Oct 17, 2024; India Today, Nov 4, 2024]
- Ticket Types: Confirmed, Waitlisted (WL), Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC). AI is being implemented to improve WL confirmation rates.
- Child Fares: Under 5: free (without a berth); 5-11: 50% discount (full fare for a berth).
- Group Bookings: Discounts for groups of 10 or more (specific cancellation rules; all must travel together).
- Part Journey Tickets: Allowed between intermediate stations (subject to availability).
II. Cancellations and Refunds:
- Before Chart Preparation (48+ hours before departure): Full refund minus clerkage (₹60 for 2nd class, ₹120 for Sleeper, ₹180 for AC 3-Tier/Chair Car/AC 3 Economy, ₹200 for AC 2-Tier/First Class, ₹240 for AC First Class/Executive Class).
- (48-12 hours): 25% fare deducted (subject to minimum clerkage).
- (12-4 hours): 50% fare deducted (subject to minimum clerkage).
- After Chart Preparation:
- Confirmed Tickets: No automatic refund. File a Ticket Deposit Receipt (TDR) online (within 72 hours) or at a station (within 3 days). Refunds are processed based on the TDR’s merit.
- RAC/WL Tickets: Cancel at least 30 minutes before departure for partial refund (minus ₹60); no refund after.
- Tatkal Tickets: Confirmed: No refund (except for train cancellations/3+ hour delays). WL: full refund if unconfirmed.
- Premium Special Trains: No cancellations (except for train cancellations).
- Lost Tickets: No refunds.
- Refund Processing: E-tickets: 5-7 working days. Counter tickets: longer (especially with TDR). Use online refund calculators. E-ticket refunds are via IRCTC to the original payment source. Counter ticket refunds are at PRS counters. Contact customer care/Rail Madad for disputes.
III. Onboard Procedures and Conduct:
- Seat/Berth Occupancy: Confirmed: guaranteed berth. RAC: shared until a berth is available.
- Ticket Checking: Enhanced checks by TTEs; penalties (fines up to 10x the fare and deboarding) for unauthorized travel. Passengers with WL e-tickets are not permitted to travel. Sleeper coaches: ₹250 fine + fare to the next station. AC coaches: ₹440 fine + fare to the next station.
- Sleeping Hours: 10 PM – 6 AM in reserved coaches. Consideration is expected for passengers with special needs. Loud conversations, music without headphones, and bright lights are discouraged. Only night lights should be on. The TTE is not supposed to disturb passengers for routine checks during sleeping hours.
- Berth Etiquette: Middle berth must be folded up between 6 AM – 10 PM. Lower berth is for shared seating during the day. Side upper berth occupants have no claim to side lower berth.
- Quiet Hours: 10 PM – 6 AM (minimize noise and bright lights except for night lights).
- Catering: Generally unavailable after 10 PM.
- TTE Conduct: No routine checks 10 PM – 6 AM. TTEs enforce onboard rules and resolve disputes.
IV. Waiting List (WL) Tickets:
- WL Status: Unconfirmed ticket, may become confirmed/RAC before chart preparation. Bookable up to 60 days in advance.
- WL Types: GNWL, RLWL, PQWL, TQWL (no RAC).
- Travel with WL Tickets: Counter tickets: Allowed in general unreserved coaches only. E-tickets: Invalid for travel in any coach.
- Penalty (Reserved Coach): Fines (₹250/₹440) + fare to next station, possible deboarding.
- Cancellation: Full refund (minus ₹60) before chart preparation; automatic full refund if unconfirmed after chart preparation. Check PNR. E-ticket refunds are automatic; counter ticket refunds at stations. Consider alternative travel options if the ticket doesn’t confirm. Use the IRCTC website and apps to check ticket status, book, cancel, or check for refunds. Use Rail Madad for grievances related to waiting tickets.
V. Concessions, Quotas, and Passes:
- A. Senior Citizens:
- Concessions: Men (60+): 40%; Women (58+): 50% on the base fare in all classes of Mail/Express/Rajdhani/Shatabdi/Jan Shatabdi/Duronto trains. [Indian Railways]
- Booking: Select concession online (IRCTC) or declare at PRS counters (age verification required). [IRCTC]
- Lower Berth: Automatic allotment if available. “Lower Berth/Sr. Citizen” quota option.
- Cancellation/Refund: Standard rules apply, calculated on concessional fare.
- Assistance: Wheelchairs, porters, “Yatri Mitra” at major stations. Concessions may vary during peak times/special trains.
- ID Proof: Mandatory (with age/DOB). Failure to provide proof can lead to paying the difference between the concessional and full fare.
- Health & Safety: Consider health before long journeys. [Rail Madad] Take necessary precautions, especially during pandemics or health advisories.
- B. Quotas:
- 1. General Quota (GN): Default quota open to all.
- 2. Ladies Quota (LD): For women alone or with children under 12 (limited berths).
- 3. Railway Employees Quota: Duty Pass Quota (DP) – for employees on duty/using passes. Railway Staff On Duty for the Train Quota (RE)- for staff on duty on the train.
- 4. Tatkal Quota (TQ): For urgent travel (higher fares, specific booking times – 10 AM for AC, 11 AM for Non-AC).
- 5. Premium Tatkal Quota (PT): Similar to Tatkal with dynamic pricing.
- 6. Senior Citizen Quota: Discounted fares, lower berth preference if traveling alone or in pairs.
- 7. Physically Challenged/Handicapped Quota (HP): For passengers with disabilities (limited berths in Sleeper). Lower berths are given preference if requested.
- 8. Defence Quota (DF): For defense personnel (limited seats, ID verification).
- 9. Parliament House Quota (PH): For MPs, ministers, officials.
- 10. Foreign Tourist Quota (FT): For foreign tourists/NRIs (slightly higher fares).
- 11. Yuva Quota: For unemployed youth certified under NREGA (10% of seats in Yuva trains).
- 12. Lower Berth Quota (SS): For senior citizens, pregnant women, and those with medical conditions needing lower berths.
- 13. Pooled Quota (PQ): For travel between intermediate stations.
- 14. Other Quotas: Emergency Quota (EQ), Head Office/High Official Quota (HO), Out Station Quota (OS).
- Important Notes: Availability depends on train, class, and demand. Specific documentation/conditions may be required. Consult IRCTC or Rail Madad for up-to-date information.
- C. Railway Passes:
- Types of Passes: Privilege Pass (PP)/Privilege Ticket Order (PTO) (for employees and families), Duty Pass (for employees on duty), School Pass (for employees’ children), Post-Retirement Complimentary Pass (PRCP) (for retirees and families), Widow Pass (for widows of employees), Special Passes (for events).
- General Rules: Class of travel determined by grade/last pay. Number of passes varies. Family members include spouse, children, dependent parents, widowed daughters, sometimes adopted children (conditions apply). Validity is for specific routes/periods. Not valid on certain trains unless specified. Break of journey permitted with restrictions.
- Additional Provisions: Lower berth preference for seniors. Special passes for medical emergencies. Loss/misuse leads to cancellation/disciplinary action. May be taxable.
- Cancellations and Changes: Can be surrendered for reissue or refund (under specific conditions). Changes are allowed under certain conditions (generally inflexible).
- Documentation: ID proof required. Passes are subject to verification by TTEs.
- D. Concessions & Facilities for Specific Categories:
- Handicapped/Disabled Persons: 75% concession (except Rajdhani/Shatabdi) for orthopedically handicapped, blind, and mentally retarded (escort with same concession if needed). 50% for deaf and dumb. HP quota (2 berths/train in Sleeper). Wheelchair assistance, accessible toilets, ramps, and braille signage (select locations). Valid disability certificate required.
- Students: 50% concession for educational tours/exams and research scholars for research journeys/conferences. Requires a certificate from the institution.
- Government Employees’ Spouses: LTC once every four years (special provisions for railway employees, with pass surrender for All-India LTC). Can travel on Duty/Privilege passes (with limitations). Proof of marriage and employment required.
- Defense Personnel: Concessions and Defence Quota (DF) for personnel and families.
- Sports Persons & Cultural Event Participants: Concessions may be available under specific conditions/quotas.
- E. General Rules for Concessions and Quotas:
- Proper documentation is required. Apply concessions online or at counters with verification.
- Quotas are managed for equitable distribution.
- Verification by TTEs/staff.
- Rules are subject to change; check official sources.
VI. Booking and Cancellation Timings:
- Booking Timings:
- General Quota: Online (IRCTC): 24/7 (ARP is 60 days, excluding the day of journey). Counter (PRS): 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (weekdays), 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Sundays/holidays). Minor stations may differ.
- Tatkal Quota: Online: AC: 10:00 AM; Non-AC: 11:00 AM. Counter: Generally not issued; if available, follow general counter hours.
- Special Quotas: Follow general booking timings (subject to availability and specific rules).
- Cancellation Timings:
- Before Chart Preparation: Online: anytime before chart preparation (4 hours before departure). Counter: within counter hours (4-hour deadline).
- After Chart Preparation: WL: automatic cancellation. Confirmed/RAC: no automatic refund; file TDR (within 72 hours online/3 days at counter).
- Chart Preparation Timings:
- General: 4 hours before departure (may vary).
- Exceptions: Vande Bharat/premium services may differ (check specific train details).
- Current Booking (Post-Chart):
- Counters: ~2 hours – 30 minutes before departure (based on vacant berths).
- Online: May be available until 30 minutes before (limited availability).
- Special Scenarios:
- E-tickets: No booking after chart preparation (except current bookings, if supported).
- Mobile Ticketing (UTS): Different timings (typically early morning to late evening).
- Premium Trains: May have different/flexible rules.
- Other Considerations:
- Holidays: Counters may have reduced hours/closures; online booking is operational.
- Peak Times: Timings may be extended/modified.
- Technical Maintenance (IRCTC): May affect online booking (usually communicated in advance).
VII. Platform Ticket Rules:
- Purpose: Allows non-traveling individuals to enter the platform area.
- Cost: ₹10-₹20 (may vary by station, time, or event). Can be higher during peak times/special events.
- Validity: 2 hours from the time of purchase.
- Booking Options: Ticket counters, Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs), UTS Mobile App (paperless or paper ticket options).
- Types: Paper tickets, Paperless (QR-coded) tickets.
- Exemptions: Passengers with valid journey tickets, some government staff on official duty.
- Rules: One person per ticket. Penalties for not having a ticket (fines around ₹250-₹270, plus potential fare). Primarily for seeing off/receiving passengers or railfans.
- Special Provisions: Railfans can use them for photography/observation (must adhere to safety rules). Sales may be restricted during congestion/security concerns.
- Current Trends: Increased digitalization and potential restrictions during peak times/for safety.
VIII. Sources:
- Indian Railways Official Site – For detailed rules, updates, concessions, quota details and timings.
- IRCTC Official Site – For online booking rules, schedules, concessions, and quota bookings.
- Rail Madad – For grievance redressal related to travel concessions, quotas, booking timings and issues.
- Times of India – Railways News – Specifically, an article by Rajeev Jayaswal on October 17, 2024, titled “New IRCTC train ticket reservation rules! Indian Railways changes advance booking rules.”
- India Today – Railways – An article by India Today Information Desk on November 4, 2024, discussing the new ARP and its implications.
- The Hindu – Sleeping Regulations – An article detailing the change in sleeping hours.
- Railway Board Circulars – For specific orders and amendments to pass rules.
- Railway Servants (Pass) Rules, 1986 – Detailed document outlining pass rules.
- UTS on Google Play – For mobile app details.