What You Need To Know-Guidelines for Train Services beginning on 01-06-2025
What You Need To Know-Guidelines for Train Services beginning on 01-06-2025
Guidelines for Train Services beginning on 1st June, 2025-What You Need To Know
- 200 passenger trains to start operating from 1st June 2025
- Booking has commenced since 21st May 2025
- These services will be in addition to existing Shramik special trains & Special AC trains to help migrants
- These trains will be fully reserved having both AC & Non AC classes and General coaches
- Normal fare to be charged for General Coaches, Reserved, Second Seating (2S)
- There will be no unreserved coach in the train
- Running of Shramik Special trains to continue to be handled by local State Govts
- Other regular passenger services including all mail/express, passenger & suburban services to remain cancelled
- Norms made for booking, quota, concessions, cancellation & refunds, screening, catering, linen, etc
Here’s what travelers need to know about the new train service rules and booking guidelines effective from 1 June 2025 in India:
📅 Key Changes & Passenger Guidelines
1. 🕗 Reservation Chart Timing
- From 1 May 2025, all reservation charts are now prepared 8 hours before departure, improving transparency for waitlisted passengers.
2. ❌ Waitlisting Restrictions
- Waitlisted passengers can no longer travel in reserved AC or Sleeper classes—they must occupy Unreserved general coaches only.
- Waiting List capped at 25% of berths per coach (excluding quotas for senior citizens, women, Divyangjans, and tourists). This cap also applies to Tatkal and remote bookings.
3. 🗓️ Advance Reservation Period (ARP)
- ARP reduced to 60 days for most trains. Booking earlier than this is no longer permitted.
- Exceptions:
- Foreign Tourist Quota: ARP remains 365 days.
- Some short-distance special trains retain legacy ARPs.
4. 🚨 Tatkal Booking Rules
- Starting 1 July 2025, Aadhaar authentication is mandatory for Tatkal bookings.
- For the first 30 minutes of Tatkal booking, only Aadhaar-linked individual users can book; agents are restricted during this period.
5. 🎟️ Emergency Quota Guidelines
- From July 2025, Emergency Quota (EQ) requests must be submitted at least one day prior. Same-day EQ requests are not accepted.
6. 💰 Fare Revision (July 1, 2025)
- A slight fare increase is effective from 1 July 2025:
- Non-AC classes: ₹0.01 per km
- AC classes: ₹0.02 per km
7. 👵 Senior Citizen Concessions Restored
- As of 1 June 2025, senior citizen fare discounts have been reinstated after a hiatus.
8. 🧳 Baggage & Security
- Updated baggage limits per class:
- 1A: 70 kg | 2A: 50 kg | SL: 40 kg | 2S/GS: 35 kg
- Prohibited items include firearms, flammable substances, corrosive materials, etc.
- Boarding on footboards, rooftops, or without a valid reserved ticket is prohibited under the Railways Act.
✅ Passenger Checklist
| Before You Travel | Action |
|---|---|
| Booking date | Only from 60 days before journey |
| Waitlisted ticket in reserved coach | Cannot board—travel in general coach only |
| Tatkal booking | Ensure Aadhaar linkage |
| EQ form submission | Submit a day in advance |
| Arrive at station on journey day | At least 45 minutes early |
| Senior citizen traveler | Carry valid ID for discount eligibility |
| Baggage weight | Adhere to class-specific weight limits |
🧠 Why These Changes Matter
- Fairness & accessibility: Aadhaar-based Tatkal booking helps curb misuse by agents.
- Reduced uncertainty: Earlier chart preparation gives more time to plan alternatives.
- Fewer no-shows and safer travel: WL capping and banned boarding policies improve overall service reliability.
- Minor fare hikes: Aimed at sustainability without significant financial impact on most travelers.
Would you like help with:
- Step-by-step guidance for Tatkal or EQ bookings?
- Calculating fare changes for your journey post-July 2025?
- Details about train-specific ARPs or seat availability periods?
Happy to assist you prepare for your June travel!