New Delhi: With the beginning of May, several new rules have come into effect across the country, but the major changes are for train passengers. The Indian Railways has announced a major shift in ticketing policy that directly impacts those travelling with waiting tickets.

Starting May 1, passengers holding waiting list tickets will no longer be allowed to travel in sleeper or AC coaches. Instead, such passengers will be permitted to travel only in the general (unreserved) compartments. Passengers found violating this rule by boarding reserved sleeper or AC coaches with waiting tickets will face penalties, Rs 250 for sleeper class and Rs 440 for AC coaches.

Advance booking window reduced

The advance reservation period (ARP) for booking tickets has been reduced from 120 days to 60 days. This means travellers can now book tickets only up to 60 days in advance, instead of the previous 4-month window.

OTP verification mandatory for online booking

Additionally, the IRCTC has introduced OTP-based mobile verification for all tickets booked through its website or mobile app. This move aims to curb fraudulent bookings and ensure the authenticity of the user's identity. Every time a ticket is booked online, users will now be required to verify their mobile number via a one-time password (OTP).

These changes are expected to bring greater order and security to train travel, but they may also pose challenges for last-minute travellers and those unfamiliar with digital processes.

Other changes from May 1

While the spotlight is on railway reforms, May 1 also marks several other updates across sectors:

Bank holidays: A total of 12 bank holidays are scheduled across India in May, including weekends and state-specific festivals.

Milk prices rise: After Mother Dairy’s recent price hike, Amul has also increased milk prices by ₹2 per litre starting today.

ATM charges revised: The RBI has raised ATM withdrawal charges post the free transaction limit from ₹21 to ₹23 per transaction.

These changes reflect a broader push toward reform and regulation, but also mean consumers and commuters will need to stay more informed to avoid penalties or inconvenience.