The Indian Railways has rolled out major updates to its ticket booking system for 2025, focusing on passenger convenience, transparency, and fair seat allocation. Whether you travel frequently or occasionally, these changes will directly affect how you book and travel by train this year.
🛏️ 1. Lower Berths Now Reserved for Priority Passengers
In a major relief for senior citizens and women, lower berths in sleeper and AC classes will now be automatically reserved for:
· Senior citizens (men aged 60+, women aged 58+)
· pregnant women
· Divyang (differently-abled) passengers
This ensures those with physical needs or mobility challenges get priority access to lower berths during booking.
⏰ 2. Advance Reservation Period (ARP) Extended
Passengers can now book tickets up to 150 days in advance — an increase from the earlier 120-day window.
This helps long-distance travelers and families plan trips well ahead, especially during festivals and holidays when trains fill up quickly.
👨👩👧 3. Family Berth Allocation Gets Smarter
To avoid situations where families or groups get scattered across coaches, indian Railways has enhanced its seat-allocation algorithm.
Now, passengers booking together (under one PNR) will be seated closer to each other whenever possible.
💳 4. Refund and Cancellation Rules Simplified
The refund process has been made more transparent and faster. Key highlights:
· Instant refunds for UPI and wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>digital payment users.
· Simplified cancellation slabs for partial ticket cancellations.
· Clear refund timelines displayed at the time of booking.
🌐 5. Tatkal Bookings to Get a wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>digital Boost
The Tatkal system will now use AI-based monitoring to curb misuse by agents and bots.
· OTP verification is mandatory for each user login.
· Dynamic seat allocation ensures fair distribution during high demand.
This makes last-minute ticket booking fairer and faster for genuine passengers.
🧾 6. Real-Time Waitlist Updates
Passengers will now receive real-time SMS alerts for waitlist and RAC updates.
The irctc app and website will also display live seat availability, allowing passengers to modify or upgrade their bookings instantly.
🚉 7. Focus on Accessibility and Inclusivity
Indian Railways has expanded its Divyang-friendly features, including:
· Wheelchair booking at the time of ticket reservation.
· Visual and audio assistance during e-ticket booking.
· Priority counters and coach entry for eligible passengers.
🧭 Final Takeaway: A Passenger-First Approach
These new rules show that indian Railways is evolving for the wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>digital age, ensuring smoother, safer, and more convenient journeys for millions of passengers.
🚄 Pro Tip: Before your next trip, review the new rules on IRCTC’s official website to make the most of the updated system!
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk..jpg)
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