IRCTC Waitlist Ban: No Sleeper or AC Travel for Waitlisted Passengers from May 1, 2025
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has announced a stringent new rule that will prevent waitlisted ticket holders from boarding Sleeper or AC coaches as of May 1, 2025. This is a major update for railway passengers throughout India.
The goal of this action is to decrease illegal entry into designated compartments and improve passenger experiences. The directive is a component of IRCTC’s larger initiative to enhance passenger safety, onboard comfort, and travel efficiency.
- What’s Changing?
If your ticket is still on the waitlist, you are not permitted to board in the Sleeper or AC classes.
Passengers will only be allowed to travel with confirmed or RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) tickets.
The new rule will go into effect on May 1, 2025.
- What Caused the Change?
Overcrowding, discomfort, and safety concerns have resulted from passengers with waitlisted tickets boarding reserved coaches for years. IRCTC hopes to accomplish the following with this new policy:
Stop illegal travel.
Boost the comfort of passengers.
Improve the security measures for railroads.
What You Should Do:
Prior to boarding, always verify the status of your ticket.
To verify updates, use the IRCTC website or app.
To avoid fines or deboarding, do not board reserved coaches without a valid seat confirmation.
Read Also: How Many Tatkal Tickets Can You Book? | Tatkal Booking Rules 2025
Catch today’s top stories and trending updates across News, Entertainment, Business, and Sports. Dive into expert Finance insights, market trends, and smart investment tips in our Finance hub.