Indian Railway New Rules 2025: Indian Railways Passenger Rights and Facilities, A Detailed Guide
Indian Railways, the fourth largest railway network in the world, transports over 23 million passengers daily from one place to another. This vast service has become an integral part of people’s daily lives. With a history of nearly 178 years, this railway system ensures various rules and rights for convenient and safe travel for its passengers. However, many passengers are unaware of their rights and responsibilities, leading them to miss out on available facilities. This article will discuss in detail eight important rights and rules provided for Indian Railways passengers.
- Free Bedrolls in AC Coaches and Their Availability: Indian Railways provides free bedroll facilities for passengers in all its AC coaches. This includes a blanket, a pillow, two sheets, and a face towel. If you are traveling in First AC, Second AC, or Third AC, all these items will be provided to you.
- Rules for Obtaining Bedrolls in Garib Rath Express: Passengers traveling on the Garib Rath Express are required to pay ₹25 to receive a bedroll. In some trains, you may also obtain a bedroll in Sleeper Class if needed, at the time of booking your ticket.
- Right to Complaint and Refund if Bedroll Not Received: If a passenger does not receive a free bedroll during a train journey, they have the right to file a complaint against it. In response to the complaint, they will be refunded ₹20.
- Medical Assistance for Illness During Train Journey: If a passenger feels unwell or experiences a physical illness during a train journey, they can seek medical assistance from train staff, the TTE (Traveling Ticket Examiner), and the Train Superintendent. They are obligated to provide primary medical care and, if necessary, arrange for appropriate medical facilities at the next station stop. However, if the passenger’s condition is serious and they need to discontinue their journey, arrangements may be made for their admission to a hospital.
- Free Meals Due to Delay in Premium Trains: In premium trains such as Rajdhani, Duronto, and Shatabdi Express, if the train runs more than two hours late at a scheduled station, Indian Railways is obligated to provide free meals to passengers.
- Clock Room and Locker Room Facilities at Railway Stations: Many passengers are unaware that major Indian Railway stations have clock room and locker room facilities. Passengers can store their luggage in these locker rooms for up to one month, though a prescribed fee must be paid for this service.
- Waiting Hall Facilities at Stations or on Trains: If your train is delayed or you arrive at the station early, railway stations provide comfortable waiting facilities in both AC and non-AC waiting halls. You can avail of this facility by showing your ticket to the railway staff managing the waiting hall.
- Procedure for Filing a Complaint: If you encounter problems such as dirty bathrooms, bad food, theft, robbery, or any other issues within the station or on the train, you can file a complaint on the online portal www.pgportal.gov.in. After filing an online complaint, your problem will be addressed.
In conclusion, Indian Railways strives to ensure various facilities and rights for its passengers. Passengers should be aware of these rights and utilize them when necessary to make their journey safe, comfortable, and hassle-free. The railway authorities should also work to create more awareness about these facilities and seriously address passenger complaints.