After taking into consideration various quotas, such as those for the disabled, Indian Railways has made a major policy change by allowing wait-listed tickets for up to 25% of the total berths/seats in each class—AC1, 2, and 3; Sleeper; and Chair Car—of a train. According to Dipak Dash and Manthan Mehta, this is meant to lessen the uncertainty that travelers experience when they purchase tickets that are not confirmed.
Why Indian Railways Is Capping Wait-Listed Tickets
Indian Railways is now putting a cap (limit) on the number of wait-listed tickets issued for each train, and here's why:
1. Most Wait-Listed Tickets Get Confirmed Later
Officials say around 20% to 25% of wait-listed tickets typically get confirmed by the time the final passenger chart is prepared (just before the train departs). So, there's no need to issue an unlimited number of them.