Good news for train passengers. Now you’ll get confirmed tickets for the journey. The Indian Railways often experiences a surge of passengers and seating issues, particularly during festival seasons. This situation is especially challenging on routes like UP-Bihar, where securing tickets can be quite difficult. However, Indian Railways is set to implement a significant change aimed at easing this burden for travelers. They are planning to issue only confirmed tickets to passengers.
Recently, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav shared this crucial update while addressing railway-related questions in Parliament. He mentioned that to enhance passenger convenience, tickets will be allocated based on the number of available seats. This means that tickets will only be sold up to the number of seats, ensuring that those with confirmed reservations are not inconvenienced by passengers holding waiting tickets.
While this new policy is expected to improve the travel experience for passengers, it may also make obtaining tickets more challenging. The gap between demand and supply could lead to fewer available tickets. Traveling without a valid ticket will result in complications. If caught traveling without a ticket on Indian Railways, passengers will face a fine. Should they be unable to pay or refuse to do so, they will be handed over to the Railway Protection Force (RPF).
Additionally, a case will be filed under section 137 of the Railway Act. The RPF will present these individuals before a registrar, where they may face a fine of Rs 1000. If the fine remains unpaid, there is a possibility of a six-month jail term.
Railway Safety Takes Center Stage
Ashwini Vaishnav addressed the Lok Sabha, emphasizing that the railways’ top priority is safety. He highlighted various technical upgrades that have been implemented, such as longer rails, electronic interlocking systems, and fog safety devices, among other significant measures. India is also emerging as a major player in railway exports. He noted that the country is now exporting metro coaches to Australia and rail coaches to the UK, Saudi Arabia, and France.
Additionally, operational equipment is being sent to Mexico, Spain, Germany, and Italy. Vaishnav mentioned that soon, locomotives produced in Bihar and wheels manufactured in Tamil Nadu will be making their way around the globe.