Indian Railways has been making some adjustments to its rules and regulations lately, and these changes are going viral online. They took a significant action that might affect thousands of rail passengers across the country. With effect from May 1, 2025, Indian Railways has instituted a new regulation that prohibits passengers with waiting list tickets from boarding sleeper or air-conditioned coaches.
Many travelers are expressing concerns about travel uncertainties and a lack of options on social media, which has made it a topic of conversation.
The new rule states that passengers would only be allowed to board sleeper and AC coaches if they have verified tickets. Even if they have valid tickets, passengers who are on the waiting list at the time the chart is prepared will not be allowed to enter the reserved compartments.
The goal of the change is to make travel easier, avoid crowding, and give confirmed passengers more comfort and security. But this choice has also sparked debate about the need for improved ticketing infrastructure and train availability.
Kapil, an X user, questioned the rule’s timing and implementation on social media, citing Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in his posts.
Tagging AshwiniVaishnaw, the user wrote,
As per new Railways rule, effective May 1, 2025, Passengers with waiting list tickets are now restricted from traveling in sleeper or AC coaches.
This is how you are implementing this rule
@AshwiniVaishnaw
ji??
As per new Railways rule, effective May 1, 2025, Passengers with waiting list tickets are now restricted from traveling in sleeper or AC coaches.
This is how you are implementing this rule @AshwiniVaishnaw ji??pic.twitter.com/JVcPvl0gwv
— Kapil (@kapsology) May 30, 2025
Internet users have deluged the comment area with criticism of the Railway Minister’s decision on overcrowded Indian trains following the implementation of the New Rule.
He is busy making reels
— @Ram_Mohd_Singh_Azad (@Arun_Kaku05) May 30, 2025
Metro ki tarah entry restrictions jab tak apply nhi krenge tab tak kuch nhi hoga.
— Garuda (@highonwheat) May 30, 2025
Poor country men have no option but to bribe the TTs and somehow travel to their destination.
— Indranil Mukherjee (@INMUKH1981) May 30, 2025
This rule was already and always there, can anybody show any previous rule where people with waiting tickets were permitted in reserved coaches … ?
They are fooling everyone, because public has lost senses …— Alok Johri (@alok1505) May 30, 2025
Everyone wants to go home during summer vacations. UP & Bihar have the largest share of migrant labour who return home during this period, this is also marriage season. Criticising is one thing, shooting darts in the dark without the light of knowledge is waste of effort.
— Kirti Azad (@kirtiazad) May 30, 2025
According to railway officials, the regulations were put into place in response to frequent passenger complaints regarding crowded reserved carriages, particularly during holidays and busy times of the year.
Passengers contend that in order for such stringent enforcement to be equitable to the general public, the Railways must also expand the number of trains, add additional coaches, and improve real-time ticket availability. In the upcoming weeks, the effects of this strategy will probably become apparent.
Additionally, railways have stated that, with the exception of customers whose journey begins during this time, ticket checking staff (TTEs) are not allowed to check tickets between 10 PM and 6 AM. Additionally, this has sparked a number of online discussions.
What do you think of Indian Railways’ latest rule implementations? Tell us in the comments section.
