When booking train tickets, many passengers are issued an RAC ticket. In this case, they have to travel not in a full berth, but on half a seat. This often raises the question: why is the full fare charged if only partial comfort is provided? Indian Railways has provided an official answer to this question.
The essence of the RAC system
According to the railway, the RAC system was created to ensure passenger convenience. Its goal is to allow space vacated by cancelled or no-show passengers with confirmed tickets to be provided to passengers with RAC tickets. RAC stands for Reservation Against Cancellation. Under this system, the passenger is allowed to travel, but initially, a full berth is not allocated to them. Usually, two passengers with RAC tickets are provided a spot on one berth.
When a full berth is provided
If the berth of a passenger with a confirmed ticket becomes vacant before or during the journey, the passenger with an RAC ticket is automatically allocated a full berth. Despite the initial provision of a shared spot, the full fare is charged. The railway asserts that the holder of an RAC ticket has the full right to travel in Sleeper or AC class coaches for which they have a ticket, and they are permitted to be on the train with a valid booked ticket, and there is a possibility of their seat being confirmed during the journey.
Ticket cancellation possibility
Nevertheless, if a passenger holding an RAC ticket does not wish to travel, they can cancel their ticket. In such cases, according to railway rules, a refund is issued to them.
Measures to combat overcrowding
Indian Railways constantly monitors passenger demand on trains. When necessary, additional coaches are used and special trains are organized to ensure the maximum number of seats for passengers. Specifically, special services are launched to handle increased traffic during festivals like Holi and summer vacations. Furthermore, during Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath, special trains are also operated, providing travel for millions of passengers. However, the railway does not limit itself only to special trains; it also adds extra coaches to regular consists.
Statistics on coach additions
According to statistical data, 872 additional coaches were continuously added to trains in the financial year 2023-24. As for the period 2024-25 (as of October 2024), 664 additional coaches have already been installed. The railway states that due to the growing number of passengers, the work to increase the number of coaches and launch special trains will continue in the future to provide as many people as possible with confirmed seats.
