Indian Railways is often regarded as the backbone of the nation, facilitating the daily journeys of thousands of passengers. To enhance the travel experience and prevent inconveniences, the railway authorities have introduced new regulations. Previously, passengers with unconfirmed seats could travel by purchasing a window waiting ticket; however, this practice has now been discontinued.
Know the rules
This change was implemented due to the difficulties faced by passengers with confirmed seats who encountered issues when others traveled on waiting tickets. Consequently, to prioritize passenger convenience, the railway has prohibited travel with waiting tickets.
Fines will vary based on the class of travel
If you possess an unconfirmed ticket and are considering traveling with a waiting ticket, it is advisable to reconsider. This information may help you avoid penalties. Specifically, if a passenger attempts to travel in a reserved coach with a waiting ticket, the fines will vary based on the class of travel. For instance, traveling in a sleeper coach may incur a penalty of Rs 250 plus the full fare for the journey, along with additional charges based on the distance traveled.
Passenger will be required to pay the journey fare and fine
Moreover, the Ticket Collector (TT) has the authority to remove the passenger at the next station. In cases where a waiting ticket is used in third AC or second AC, the passenger will be required to pay the journey fare along with an additional charge of Rs 440.
For those caught traveling in first class with a waiting ticket, the fines can be significantly higher, potentially amounting to ten times the fare based on the distance. Additionally, the TT may instruct the passenger to move to the general coach or even disembark from the train. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that you travel in a reserved coach only with a confirmed ticket.