9 Indian Railway Travel Rules You Must Know in 2025

Indian Railways is the lifeline of the nation. Recently, the ministry has shared new rules for a smoother journey. Therefore, every passenger should learn these updates before their next trip. Currently, many of these laws are being strictly enforced at major stations.

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1. Mandatory Aadhaar for Tatkal

Booking a Tatkal ticket now requires a verified identity. Specifically, only Aadhaar-verified users can book Tatkal tickets through the IRCTC app or website. Since July 1, 2025, this rule aims to stop fraud and bots. Additionally, you must complete an OTP-based check for every booking starting July 15, 2025.

2. New Restrictions for Agents

Authorized agents now face a “quiet period” during the morning rush. Specifically, they cannot book tickets during the first 30 minutes of the Tatkal window. For AC classes, agents can only log in after 10:30 AM. Meanwhile, for non-AC classes, they must wait until 11:30 AM. Consequently, individual passengers have a better chance of getting a seat.

3. Strict Rules for Waitlisted Tickets

If you have a waitlisted ticket, you cannot board a reserved coach anymore. Specifically, this rule applies to both online and counter tickets. If you are caught in a Sleeper or AC coach without a confirmed seat, you will face a fine. For instance, the penalty is ₹250 for Sleeper and ₹440 for AC classes.

4. Luggage Limits by Class

Each travel class has a specific free weight limit for bags. For example, First AC passengers can carry up to 70 kg. Meanwhile, the limit for Sleeper class is 40 kg. If your bags are too heavy, you must book them in the luggage van. Actually, you can be fined up to six times the rate for unbooked excess luggage.

5. Smoking and Alcohol Ban

Safety is the top priority for the railways. Therefore, smoking and drinking alcohol are strictly banned on all trains and platforms. If you are caught, you may face a fine of ₹500 or even jail time. Moreover, repeating the offense can lead to a permanent ban from traveling on trains.

6. Food and Unauthorized Sellers

Passengers can carry their own home-cooked meals for the journey. However, you should only buy food from pantry cars or e-catering vendors. Specifically, the board warns against buying from unauthorized platform sellers for health reasons. In fact, many stations now have “One Station One Product” stalls for local snacks.

7. Cancellation and Refund Policy

Refunds depend entirely on when you cancel your ticket. Specifically, if you cancel a confirmed ticket 48 hours early, you only pay a flat fee. However, if you cancel within 4 hours of departure, you will lose 50% of the fare. Currently, there is no refund for confirmed Tatkal tickets unless the train is canceled.

8. Identity Proof Requirements

Always carry an original ID card while traveling. For instance, an Aadhaar card, PAN card, or Voter ID is mandatory. If you fail to show an ID, the ticket checker will treat you as a passenger without a ticket. Consequently, you will have to pay the full fare plus a penalty of ₹250.

9. General Safety and Doors

Railway staff are now more alert about passenger safety. Specifically, standing near the open doors of a moving train is a punishable offense. Moreover, you should always secure your bags with chains under the seat. Actually, these small steps help reduce theft and accidents during long-distance travel.

Quick Guide: Luggage and Fines

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