Indian Railways has made a big decision to fix the maximum limit of waiting for tickets on long-distance trains. This change has come into effect from 16 June 2025. Under the new instructions of the Railway Board, now the limit of waiting tickets in Sleeper, Third AC (Third AC – 3AC), Second AC (Second AC – 2AC) and First AC (First AC – 1AC) coaches has been limited to only 25% of the total berths.
The Railway Board has taken this step intending to control the increasing crowd and chaos in stations and trains across the country. Now this quota will be applicable not only at the starting station of the train but also at those intermediate stations from where passengers board long-distance trains.
What used to happen earlier
Till now the number of waiting tickets used to vary according to the zone of the railway. In zones like Central and Vernal Railways, waiting tickets were issued for up to 20-40% of the total seats. Many times this figure used to reach 500 to 700 waiting tickets, which led to chaos and fights to board the train. This situation will now be improved with the new rule. The Railway Board circular states that this 25% waiting limit will be equally applicable to Tatkal quota and tickets issued from far-flung stations.
How will the new rule work
According to railway officials, if a 3AC coach has 72 berths, then only 18 waiting tickets will be issued after the booking is completed. This will avoid heavy crowds on the train. Earlier, due to more waiting tickets, even coaches like sleepers used to have a situation like unreserved coaches, where passengers had to travel standing or had to struggle to get a seat.
The crowd will also be reduced on the platform
The new rule is also expected to provide relief to the Railway Protection Force (RPF). Actually, due to more waiting tickets, there used to be excessive crowds on the platform during festivals and holidays. It was very difficult to handle it. But, now with limited waiting tickets, the situation can be controlled in a better way, which will give relief to both passengers and railway employees.
Passengers will also get great relief
This change will not only reduce the crowd but will also reduce the disputes between those with valid tickets and waiting passengers. Earlier, passengers with valid tickets used to argue with those with waiting tickets about seats and other things. Many times this also led to fights. The new rules are also expected to reduce such arguments, making the travel experience more pleasant.