The Indian Railways network is a beast, running non-stop through every kind of weather. But the system only works smoothly if everyone plays by the rules—rules that are often ignored, or nothing. The Railways has tightened up on enforcement, especially concerning tickets and booking.
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Here are the nine critical rules and updates travellers need to know for 2025. Don’t get fined; don’t get caught out.
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The Booking Game Changer (Aadhaar is Mandatory)
This is the biggest shift. If you’re a regular traveller or rely on last-minute tickets, listen up.
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Aadhaar-Linked Tatkal: Tatkal is now locked down. To book through the IRCTC website or app, your account must be Aadhaar-linked and verified. Without that OTP authentication, the Tatkal window won’t even open for you. The ministry is urging everyone to finish linking their UIDAI details.
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Agent Restrictions: The game is rigged against agents now, or at least for the first half hour. Authorized agents are barred from booking during the first 30 minutes of the Tatkal window opening.
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AC Classes: Agents wait until 10:30 AM.
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Non-AC Classes: Agents wait until 11:30 AM.
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Onboard & Luggage Strictness
You must hold a valid ticket before boarding, or risk being fined or removed. The ticket checkers are on busy routes, and they will check multiple times.
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Luggage Limits are Real: The allowances are strictly class-wise, and they are starting to enforce these limits aggressively. Anything over the free limit has to be booked separately, like an actual parcel, in the luggage coach.
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First AC: 70 kg
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Second AC: 50 kg
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Third AC / Sleeper: 40 kg
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General: 30 kg
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No Smoking, No Drinking: This is routine, but officials are cracking down. Smoking is banned across all premises (trains, platforms). Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited on the train and inside stations. RPF and staff will intervene, and the fines can be heavy.
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Food Safety: The thing is, pantry cars and authorized vendors are the official food sources. The Railways routinely cautions people against buying from those unauthorised sellers, especially on those long-distance corridors where anything can happen. Carry food from home if you want.
Cancellations and Safety
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Cancellations: The refund depends entirely on when you cancel. The closer you get to departure time, the higher the deduction will be. You must complete the cancellation before the train leaves the station.
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Safety First: Authorities constantly remind us to secure valuables and stay alert. Avoid crowding near doors, and for God’s sake, don’t try to board or step off a moving train. It’s basic, but rail officials keep pushing this because it helps reduce preventable accidents each year.
The whole system is moving towards airport-style checks and security, especially in major stations. Be prepared, or nothing…..
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Disclaimer: This information is based on the updated rules and guidelines provided by the Indian Railways, effective for 2025.
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