Indian Railways rolled out significant changes to its passenger reservation system on July 1, introducing revised fare structures, modified booking protocols, and enhanced security measures for ticket purchases.

The railway ministry has implemented its first fare increase since 2020, with non-AC Mail/Express trains seeing a hike of one paisa per kilometer and AC classes rising by two paisa per kilometer.

The modest revision affects long-distance travel but exempts suburban trains, second-class journeys under 500 kilometers, and monthly season tickets.

A major procedural shift now requires reservation charts to be prepared eight hours before train departure, doubling the previous four-hour window. Railway officials said this change addresses passenger inconvenience and provides better clarity for waitlisted travelers, allowing more time for journey planning.

The ministry has also restructured waiting list capacities across coach categories. AC coaches can now accommodate waiting lists up to 60 per cent of total berths, a significant jump from the earlier 25 per cent cap imposed this month. Non-AC sleeper and second-class coaches maintain a 30 per cent waiting list limit.

New security protocols mandate Aadhaar-based verification for all Tatkal bookings from July 1, with OTP authentication through Aadhaar-linked mobile numbers becoming compulsory from July 15. These measures target unauthorised agents and fake accounts that have plagued the high-demand booking window.

In a move to prioritise individual passengers, agents face restrictions from booking Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes after the daily booking window opens. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasised the reforms aim to create a transparent, passenger-friendly ticketing ecosystem.

The changes extend to premium services including Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Vande Bharat, and other special trains, which will follow the revised fare structure. However, reservation fees and superfast surcharges remain unchanged.

Railways plan to introduce a modernised Passenger Reservation System by December 2025, capable of processing 1.5 lakh bookings per minute compared to the current 32,000. The new system will feature seat selection options, fare calendars, and integrated facilities for passengers with disabilities, students, and patients.

All zonal railways and ticketing partners have been instructed to implement these changes uniformly as the ministry prepares for a digital-first reservation framework.

Published on July 1, 2025