Rail travel in India just got better for Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) passengers! The Indian Railways has announced a significant upgrade, providing more comfort and facilities to passengers with RAC tickets in AC coaches. This move aims to enhance the journey experience for thousands of travelers who rely on RAC bookings every day.
Before this change, RAC passengers had to share a berth, making long journeys uncomfortable. Now, they will receive a full berth and additional amenities, improving their travel experience significantly. In this article, we will break down what this means for passengers, how RAC works, and how you can benefit from this new policy.
Railway’s Big Gift for RAC Passengers
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Policy Change | RAC passengers in AC coaches now get a full berth |
| Who Benefits? | Passengers with RAC tickets in AC coaches |
| Facilities Provided | Full berth, bedroll kit (blanket, pillow, bedsheets, towel) |
| Previous System | Shared berths for RAC passengers |
| Implementation Date | Effective immediately |
| Official Website | Indian Railways |
The Indian Railways’ decision to provide full berths and extra amenities to RAC passengers in AC coaches is a significant improvement. This change ensures that travelers enjoy better comfort, privacy, and an overall superior travel experience. By making RAC ticketing more convenient, Indian Railways is enhancing passenger satisfaction and promoting train travel as a preferred mode of transport.
For travelers who frequently book RAC tickets, this upgrade will make journeys smoother and stress-free. If you’re planning a train journey, make sure to check your PNR status before departure to see if your berth has been confirmed.
What is RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation)?
RAC is a unique ticketing system by Indian Railways that allows passengers to board a train even when all confirmed tickets are booked. Instead of a full berth, RAC passengers are allocated a shared side lower berth. If any confirmed ticket is canceled, RAC passengers get upgraded to full berths before the journey begins.
How RAC Works in the Indian Railways Booking System
- If a seat is available – The ticket is confirmed.
- If all seats are booked – The ticket is moved to RAC status.
- If someone cancels a confirmed ticket – The RAC passenger is given a full berth.
- If no cancellations happen – The RAC passenger shares the berth with another RAC traveler.
This system ensures that more passengers can travel, even when all confirmed tickets are booked.
What Has Changed for RAC Passengers in AC Coaches?
1. Full Berths for RAC Passengers
Previously, RAC passengers had to share a berth in AC coaches. With the new update, they will be allotted a full berth, significantly improving travel comfort.
2. Bedroll Kit Provided
Passengers traveling on RAC tickets in AC coaches will now receive a bedroll kit, which includes:
- Two bedsheets
- One blanket
- One pillow
- One towel
This ensures a more comfortable and convenient journey, similar to confirmed ticket holders.
3. More Transparency in Ticket Allocation
- Indian Railways is working on improving the PNR status tracking system, making it easier for passengers to check seat allotment updates in real time.
- Improved notification system via SMS and email alerts for RAC status updates.
4. Priority Seat Allocation for Senior Citizens & Women
- Senior citizens and women traveling alone or with children will get higher priority in RAC allotment for full berths.
- This ensures safe and comfortable travel for vulnerable passengers.
5. Enhanced Digital Services for RAC Passengers
- The IRCTC website and mobile app will display real-time RAC seat availability.
- Passengers can track their ticket status more effectively and plan accordingly.
Why is This Change Important?
1. Increased Passenger Satisfaction
The Indian Railways serves millions of passengers daily, and RAC bookings are a crucial part of the ticketing system. This change will ensure that more people can travel comfortably, even when trains are full.
2. Encouraging Train Travel Over Other Modes
By making RAC travel in AC coaches more convenient, Indian Railways hopes to attract more passengers to choose train travel over flights or buses, especially for long-distance journeys.
3. Enhancing the Quality of Service
This initiative aligns with Indian Railways’ ongoing efforts to modernize and improve passenger experience. The move will also reduce complaints related to berth-sharing discomfort.
8th Pay Commission: Expected Salary Hike, Implementation Date & Latest News
Big News: Fixed Deposit Rates Hit 9.3% – This Bank Just Announced New Rates, Check Are you Eligible
SBI PPF Scheme: Invest ₹1000 & Get ₹3.25 Lakh – Full Details, Features & Eligibility
How to Check RAC Status and Upgrade to Confirmed Berth?
Step 1: Book Your Ticket
- If confirmed seats are unavailable, your ticket will automatically be placed in RAC status.
Step 2: Track Your Ticket Status
- Use the Indian Railways website (IRCTC) or mobile apps like Where is My Train to track updates.
- Your ticket status may change from RAC to Confirmed before your journey.
Step 3: Check Final Allotment Before Boarding
- Indian Railways updates final seat allotments before train departure.
- Visit PNR status check to see your final berth details.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens if I book an RAC ticket?
Your ticket remains in RAC status until any confirmed ticket is canceled. If a cancellation occurs, you get a full berth automatically.
2. Will all RAC passengers in AC coaches get full berths now?
Yes, under the new system, RAC passengers in AC coaches will get a full berth instead of a shared berth.
3. How do I check my RAC ticket status?
You can check your status on:
- IRCTC
- Indian Railways PNR Status
4. Do I need to pay extra for a full berth as an RAC passenger?
No, the fare remains the same as per the RAC ticket price.
5. Is this facility available for all trains?
Currently, it is applicable to AC coaches in major trains, and more trains are expected to be included soon.
6. Will the bedroll facility be provided in sleeper class for RAC passengers?
No, the bedroll facility is currently available only for AC RAC passengers.
