Indian Railway Rule Change: Indian Railways has made changes in ticket booking rules from 2025. In this, lower berth priority, sleeping time has been fixed and the advance reservation period has been increased to 60 days.
Indian Railways has made several changes to ticket booking rules to improve passenger convenience. These include a new system for allocating lower berths, fixed sleeping hours, and a reduction in the advance reservation period. These rules will come into effect in 2025 and will help make travel more transparent.
If you also travel by train, then definitely check the changes made in the rules by the Railways so that you do not face any problem during the journey.
Railway rules regarding lower berth
Earlier this year, the Railways launched the RailOne app. This is a super app that allows booking both reserved and unreserved tickets. The app provides access to all railway passenger services in one place, simplifying and expediting the booking process. Passenger complaints regarding lower berths are common. Despite selecting a lower berth preference in online booking, there are problems with getting a side upper, middle, or upper berth. In the Railways’ computerized reservation system, senior citizens, women over 45, and pregnant women are given lower berth priority. This facility depends on seat availability.
If a lower berth is not available at the time of booking and an eligible passenger is allocated an upper or middle berth, the TTE on the train has the authority. If a lower berth becomes vacant during the journey, the TTE can offer it to such passenger. This can also provide convenience mid-journey. Online booking also has a special option: Passengers can select “Book Only If Lower Berth Is Available.” This means that the ticket will be booked only if a lower berth is available. If not, booking will not be done. This is useful for passengers who do not want to travel without a lower berth.
Reserved coaches gold rule
The rules for sleeping and sitting in reserved coaches are clear. Sleeping times are set from 10 pm to 6 am. During this time, passengers can sleep on their assigned berths. During the day, everyone is provided with a seat. For those with RAC tickets, passengers on the side lower berths and those on the side upper berths will share seats during the day. However, from 10 pm to 6 am, the lower berth will be occupied only by the passenger with the lower berth.
Advance reservation period rules changed
The Railways has also made changes to the Advance Reservation Period (ARP). Previously, tickets could be booked 120 days in advance, but now this has been reduced to 60 days. This means that reserved tickets can only be booked up to 60 days before the travel date. This will improve the system and reduce cancellation issues. All these changes will provide greater convenience and transparency to passengers. The Railways is continuously expanding its digital capabilities. Using these options wisely when booking will ensure a comfortable journey.
