Big News! Has Indian Railways General Ticket Sale Rule Changed? Check

 The Indian Railways is considering a major change in the issuance of general tickets by including the train’s name and number on them. This initiative aims to prevent overcrowding on specific trains, particularly during festivals and religious events.

The move comes in response to the tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station, which claimed 18 lives. In an informal gathering at Rail Bhavan on Monday, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav stated that the Railway Board is actively evaluating this proposal as part of its crowd management strategy.

Changes Under Consideration

Currently, general tickets do not specify a particular train, allowing passengers to board any general-class coach. The proposed system will mandate passengers to travel only on the designated train, with non-compliance possibly resulting in penalties. To implement this, the Passenger Reservation System (PRS) software is expected to be modified.

Additionally, there are no fixed guidelines on the number of general tickets issued per train. The new system is expected to control passenger volume and reduce overcrowding. As per existing railway regulations, general tickets are not valid for premium trains such as Express, Superfast, Rajdhani, and Vande Bharat. Passengers found traveling in these trains with general tickets will be considered ticketless travelers.

Official directives regarding these changes are anticipated soon

Railway officials believe that this change will not only enhance passenger safety but also streamline train operations by ensuring a more organized boarding process. With a fixed number of general tickets issued per train, authorities can better manage crowd flow, particularly at major stations prone to congestion. The initiative is also expected to curb unauthorized travel and improve the overall travel experience for passengers in the general category. Further details and implementation timelines will be announced once the proposal is finalized.