Indian Railways Ticket Booking Rules: Major Changes Before Diwali 2026 — What Passengers Need to Know

Indian Railways has introduced several changes to ticket booking, cancellation and passenger verification procedures to improve convenience and prevent misuse of the reservation system. With Diwali travel demand expected to rise, passengers should understand the rules before planning their journeys.

One important change is the revised cancellation and refund schedule for confirmed tickets. Under the revised rules announced in 2026, cancellation charges depend on how far in advance a ticket is cancelled. The key time limits are 72 hours, 24 hours and eight hours before the scheduled departure. Passengers cancelling closer to departure may receive a smaller refund or no refund, depending on the applicable conditions.

Aadhaar-based authentication has also been introduced for specific online reservation windows. For general reserved tickets, Aadhaar authentication is required during the first 15 minutes after the reservation window opens. Separate Aadhaar and OTP verification requirements also apply to Tatkal bookings, along with restrictions on authorised agents during the initial booking period.

Another significant development concerns travel insurance. Following a Supreme Court direction, tickets purchased at railway reservation counters are to receive insurance coverage from October 27, 2026, in line with the facility available to online ticket buyers. Passengers should check the latest official railway instructions for applicable terms and coverage details before travelling.

With festive bookings in high demand, passengers are advised to book early, verify their ticket status, carry the required identification documents and review cancellation conditions carefully. These steps can help avoid last-minute confusion during the Diwali travel rush.