15 Major Indian Railway Rules You Must Know

#1 Booking and Reservation Rules

General Ticket Booking

• Online and Offline: Tickets for Indian Railways can be booked both online (via the IRCTC website or app) or Adani One website/app and offline (at railway station counters). 

• Advance Reservation: Train tickets need to be booked up to 120 days (4 months) in advance for most long-distance trains. Passengers have to plan their trips well in advance to ensure seat availability. 

Tip: It’s always best to secure your booking as soon as the booking window opens in the morning. Any delay will lead to you being pushed to the waiting list.

Tatkal Scheme

What is Tatkal?

Tatkal is a last-minute booking option for passengers who need tickets on an immediate basis and is released one day before the journey. For AC classes, bookings open at 10 AM, and for non-AC classes, at 11 AM.

• Tatkal Charges: Tatkal tickets are priced higher than normal tickets due to additional charges, which can range from 10% to 30% of the base fare.

• Refund on Cancellation: Tatkal tickets are non-refundable unless the train is cancelled, in which case a full refund is provided.

1. Premium Tatkal 
   Premium Tatkal is a dynamic pricing system where ticket prices increase as demand rises. Unlike regular Tatkal, these tickets can be significantly more expensive, and like Tatkal, they cannot be refunded.

#2 Passenger Classes and Seat Availability

Indian Railways offers various classes of travel, ranging from luxurious to economical: 

• 1st AC (First Class AC): This has private cabins, a different set of menus served and is the most premium class.

• 2nd AC (Second Class AC): A step lower than 1st AC, with berths in two tiers (upper and lower).

• 3rd AC (Third Class AC): A more affordable AC option with three tiers (upper, middle, and lower berths).

• Sleeper Class: Non-AC class is one of the most commonly used by travellers. It's economical and offers basic sleeping arrangements.

• General Class: Unreserved seating for short-distance and budget travellers. We do not advise this as it is always too crowded and chaotic. 

Seat Availability

• Checking Seat Availability: Passengers can check seat availability via the IRCTC website, mobile app, Adani One website/app or at railway station counters closer to where they live.

• RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation): If your ticket is in RAC, you’re guaranteed a seat, until someone cancels their ticket, or you might have to share it with someone.

• Waitlist (WL): This is where the passenger is not guaranteed a seat or a berth. The chances of confirmation are slim during the peak season and are dependent on how many cancellations happen before the departure date.

#3 PNR and Ticket Confirmation Status

Every train ticket has a PNR (Passenger Name Record) number and a unique 10-digit code. This code contains all details of the journey, such as train number, seat number, the start and end point of the journey and other passenger information.

Passengers can use the PNR to:

• Check Ticket Status: Whether it is confirmed, RAC, or waitlisted.

• Track Live Train Status: The PNR can be used to check the live status of the train and its location on the IRCTC website/app or other websites.

• Automated Cancellation of waitlisted tickets: The amount is then refunded.

#4 Luggage Rules and Charges

Indian Railways allows passengers to carry luggage within a certain limit (which is quite substantial in our opinion), depending on the class of travel:

• Free Allowance of luggage for various categories:

• First-AC: up to 70 kg

• Second-class: up to 50 kg 

• Sleeper class: up to 40 kg

• General class: up to 35 kg

• Excess Luggage: If your luggage exceeds the free allowance, you can carry it by paying extra charges at the luggage office.

• Carrying Pets: Pets can only be carried in the luggage van (except for 1st AC class where pets are allowed in private cabins), and the owner must provide necessary documents and pay a fee.

#5 Ticket Cancellation and Refund Policy

Before Chart Preparation

• Passengers can cancel tickets before the final chart is prepared (usually 4 hours before departure). They can do this online on the IRCTC website/app or at the railway station.

• Cancellation Charges & Refund Amount: A certain amount is deducted as a cancellation fee, depending on how early the cancellation is made and then the rest of the amount is refunded.

After Chart Preparation

• If a passenger cancels the ticket after the chart is prepared, the refund depends on the status of the ticket (confirmed, RAC, or waitlisted).

• No Show, No Refund: If a confirmed ticket holder doesn’t show up or hasn’t cancelled, no refund is given.

#6 Train Delays and Refunds 

If a train is delayed by more than 3 hours from its scheduled departure time, passengers are entitled to:

• Full Refund: Passengers can cancel their ticket and claim a full refund, either online or at the station.

• Alternative Trains: Passengers can opt for an alternative train provided by Indian Railways in case of delays or cancellations.

#7 Rules for Traveling Without a Ticket

Travelling without a ticket is a punishable offence in Indian Railways. The following penalties apply:

• On-the-Spot Fine: If caught without a valid ticket, passengers must pay the ticket fare plus a fine, which is usually 250% of the base fare.

• Buying a Ticket on the Train: In certain cases, passengers without tickets can approach the ticket examiner (TTE) and buy a ticket on the train, though this is subject to availability.

#8 Platform Ticket Rule 

If you are visiting the railway platform to drop someone off or greet a passenger, you have to buy a platform ticket. The platform ticket grants access to the platform for a limited period and failing to produce a platform ticket can lead to a fine. 
 

#9 Rules Regarding Reserved and Unreserved Coaches

• Unreserved Coaches: These are open for passengers without prior reservations. Seats are first-come, first-served, and they can get very crowded during peak travel times.

• Reserved Coaches: Only passengers with confirmed reservations are allowed in reserved coaches. Anyone found travelling without a valid ticket in these coaches may be fined and de-boarded.

#10 Senior Citizen and Special Quotas

• Senior Citizen Concession: Male passengers aged 60 and above and female passengers aged 58 and above are eligible for a concession of 40% and 50%, respectively, on all tickets.

• Women’s Quota: Certain trains have reserved compartments or seats for women passengers for safety and comfort, especially for sleepers and general coaches.

• Disabled Passenger Quota: There are specific provisions for physically challenged passengers, including wheelchair access and dedicated compartments.

#11 Train Boarding and Departure Rules

• Late Boarding: If a passenger is running late but the train hasn’t departed, they may still board within the first two stations or 30 minutes of the train’s departure. However, they must inform the TTE in advance.

• E-Ticket Boarding: For passengers with e-tickets, a hard copy isn’t required. They can show the SMS or a copy of the ticket on their mobile phone along with a valid ID. 

#12 Railway Safety and Security Rules

• Security Checks: For passenger safety, many major railway stations have installed baggage scanners and metal detectors. Carrying prohibited items like explosives, weapons, or sharp objects can lead to arrest.

• Lost and Found: In case you lose any belongings on a train or platform, you can approach the railway’s Lost and Found section or lodge a complaint at the nearest station.

#13 Cleanliness and Hygiene Regulations

• On-Board Housekeeping: Indian Railways has introduced on-board housekeeping services on many trains to ensure cleanliness throughout the journey. Passengers can request cleaning of their berths and surroundings through an SMS service.

• Fines for Littering: Indian Railways enforces strict cleanliness norms and passengers found littering on trains or platforms can be fined up to ₹500.

#14 Meal Services and Catering Rules

• Pre-Booking Meals: Passengers can pre-book meals when booking tickets online and choose between Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian options. Sometimes these meals are compulsory and sometimes you can opt it out.

• Bringing Your Own Food: Passengers are free to carry their own food, and there are no restrictions on what they can bring aboard. 

#15 Railways Helpline and Complaint System

Keep note of these in case of any emergencies or unforeseen circumstances.

• Helpline 139: For any inquiry, complaints, or emergency assistance.

• Rail Madad: An online portal for passengers to address their grievances.

In this guide, we have tried to cover all the nuances related to train travel that will ensure you have a hassle-free experience while booking your tickets, knowing your booking status, packing your luggage, the cancellation or refund process or travelling. If you wish to plan your next train travel then Adani One is the right place to make your bookings apart from IRCTC. The platform offers great deals, free cancellation, a prediction engine that tells you the percentage possibility of your booking and much more. Log in now, and make the most of it!