Train Ticket Booking New Rules 2025 : Starting November 11, 2025, Indian Railways has introduced six major changes in the ticket booking system. Now, passengers will have to present two new documents while booking tickets. The aim of these changes is to make the booking process more transparent, secure, and free from fraud or manipulation. These rules apply to both online and offline bookings.
Train Ticket Booking Rules 2025 : New Railway Ticket Booking Guidelines
The Indian Railways has implemented stricter rules to prevent ticket fraud and black marketing. Now, passengers booking tickets must provide two types of documents. The most important one is Aadhaar Authentication, which was earlier required only for Tatkal tickets, but now it has been made mandatory for general ticket bookings during the first 15 minutes of the booking window.
Additionally, Railways has introduced several other new rules related to ticket cancellation, baggage penalties, and waiting list restrictions to ensure fair practices and passenger convenience.
Below is a summary of all the major changes in tabular form:
6 Major Changes in Train Ticket Booking – Summary
| New Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Aadhaar Authentication Mandatory (First 15 Minutes) | Only users whose IRCTC accounts are linked with Aadhaar and verified through OTP will be able to book tickets in the first 15 minutes. This aims to prevent booking fraud and misuse by bots or agents. |
| 2. Two Documents Required | Passengers must verify both their Aadhaar ID and registered mobile number during ticket booking. |
| 3. Stricter Ticket Cancellation Policy | Tickets canceled less than 4 hours before departure will attract a 25% cancellation charge. No refund will be given on Tatkal tickets unless the train is canceled or delayed by more than 3 hours. |
| 4. Rules for Waitlisted Passengers | Passengers with waitlisted tickets are not allowed to travel in reserved coaches. Violations will result in heavy fines. |
| 5. New Rules for Luggage | Passengers carrying excess luggage beyond the allowed limit will face fines up to six times the standard rate. Weight limits differ according to class. |
| 6. Restrictions for Agents | Ticket agents will be restricted from booking tickets during the first 10–30 minutes of the booking window to give priority to regular passengers. |
Importance of Aadhaar Authentication
According to the new rules, Aadhaar linking and OTP verification will be mandatory during the first 15 minutes of ticket booking on the IRCTC website or mobile app, especially for general tickets. The main objective is to ensure that only genuine passengers get access to tickets and prevent fraudulent bookings by bots or unauthorized agents.
If a user has not linked their Aadhaar, they can still book tickets after the first 15 minutes. This rule does not apply to offline bookings at railway counters.
New Ticket Cancellation Rules
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If a ticket is canceled less than 4 hours before the scheduled departure, 25% of the ticket fare will be charged as a cancellation fee.
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No refund will be issued on Tatkal tickets, except in cases where the train is canceled or delayed by more than 3 hours.
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Passengers are advised to cancel tickets in advance to avoid heavy charges.
New Rules for Waitlisted Passengers
Passengers holding waitlisted tickets are now strictly prohibited from traveling in reserved coaches (Sleeper or AC).
If caught, they will be fined between ₹250 to ₹440, and must also pay the full fare for the journey.
This rule aims to ensure that seats are available only for passengers with confirmed reservations.
Baggage Limit and Penalty
Indian Railways has revised luggage policies and introduced heavy penalties for excess baggage.
If a passenger carries more than the permitted limit without booking it, they will have to pay six times the normal luggage fare.
| Travel Class | Allowed Baggage Limit |
|---|---|
| AC First Class | 70 kg |
| Sleeper Class | 40 kg |
Rules for Agents
Authorized agents will now face restrictions during ticket booking. They will be barred from booking tickets for the first 10–30 minutes, especially during Tatkal booking hours.
This move ensures that regular passengers get priority over agents.
Summary of New Railway Ticket Booking Rules
| Rule | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Aadhaar Link Mandatory | For first 15 minutes of booking | Prevents booking fraud and misuse |
| Two Documents Required | Aadhaar and mobile verification | Enhances security and transparency |
| Cancellation Policy | 25% fee if canceled <4 hours | Encourages timely cancellations |
| Waitlist Rule | Travel not allowed; heavy fines | Improves availability for confirmed passengers |
| Luggage Rule | Weight limit with penalties | Reduces overloading and misuse |
| Agent Restriction | 10–30 minutes booking ban | Prioritizes genuine passengers |
Purpose and Reality of These Changes
These reforms by Indian Railways are aimed at providing better service, transparency, and safety for passengers. The government intends to curb fraud, agent manipulation, and ticket hoarding, making ticket distribution fair for everyone.
Passengers are advised to link their Aadhaar with their IRCTC account before booking tickets under the new system.
The railway authorities have ensured that these rules make travel easier, not harder, especially for those without access to digital tools — as old rules remain applicable for counter bookings at stations.