India to deliver 19-car 'Made in India' train to Bangladesh, including air-conditioned coaches

Indian Railways has introduced further changes to its rules to enhance passenger convenience. These changes pertain to the RAC status and aim to resolve issues for those traveling in air-conditioned coaches.

Previously, passengers with confirmed tickets were provided with a full set of bedding in air-conditioned coaches. However, passengers with RAC tickets only received a sheet and a pillow, and porters often did not provide a blanket. Now, the railway company has issued a new order stating that RAC passengers in air-conditioned coaches will also receive a full set of bedding.

This decision was made following numerous complaints from passengers regarding the bedding kit. The Railway Board reported receiving constant grievances that passengers with RAC seats were not being issued a complete set of bedding. In some cases, two passengers were forced to share one set, and sometimes they were not provided with a blanket or a pillow. These complaints were also registered on the railway's helpline.

In light of these appeals, the Railway Board issued a new directive on August 4, 2026, to all zonal railways, including NCR. The Board clearly stipulated that in all air-conditioned coaches, except AC Chair Cars, every passenger with an RAC ticket must be provided with a separate, complete set of bedding, including a sheet, blanket, and other items.

According to railway officials, this rule must be adhered to on all air-conditioned trains passing through Prayagraj. The Railway Board instructed all zonal railways to immediately inform their staff about this directive and ensure its strict implementation. Furthermore, instructions were given to IRCTC and other relevant departments to take necessary measures. This decision will bring relief to millions of passengers traveling with RAC tickets in air-conditioned coaches across the country.

If there is a sudden need to travel somewhere urgently and only minutes remain before the train departs, there is no need to worry. Indian Railways has introduced a special rule for passenger convenience, allowing tickets to be booked or canceled shortly before the train's departure. This option was particularly useful for those whose plans change at the last minute or who have to make spontaneous trips.

Previously, the process of forming the reservation schedule occurred significantly earlier than the train's departure, and online ticket booking was impossible after this schedule was created. However, the railway later introduced a second reservation schedule system. According to this system, the first schedule was compiled approximately four hours before departure, while the second schedule was prepared 30 minutes or even 5 minutes before the train moved. Passengers could book or cancel tickets until this second schedule was ready.

For example, if a passenger canceled their ticket, those seats remained empty before this system was introduced. Now, thanks to the second schedule, that seat could be occupied by another needy passenger. Those who needed urgent travel benefited the most. If a seat is canceled at the last moment, it could be offered to another passenger before the second schedule appears.

Passengers had two ways to purchase tickets: through the IRCTC website or mobile application, as well as through the PRS (Passenger Reservation System) counters of the railway. If a seat became available before the second schedule was formed, the ticket could be immediately confirmed. Furthermore, if travel plans changed, there was an option to cancel the ticket before the second schedule was created. This allowed the seat to be freed up for another passenger and reduced the number of vacant seats on the train.

The possibility of receiving a confirmed ticket depended entirely on seat availability. A ticket could only be obtained if another passenger canceled their ticket or if there were vacant seats. If all seats were booked in advance, it was impossible to purchase a ticket.

The goal of this rule was to minimize the number of empty seats on trains and provide the opportunity for the maximum number of people to travel. Previously, it often happened that people canceled tickets at the very last moment, but because the schedule was already formed, these seats could not be used by others. The second schedule system helped solve this problem to a great extent.

If you suddenly need to travel, it is recommended to check for seat availability on the IRCTC website or app before the train departs. Sometimes a seat becomes available due to another passenger canceling their ticket, and you can get a confirmed ticket. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the railway periodically makes changes to the rules for booking and canceling tickets. Therefore, before traveling, you must familiarize yourself with the latest IRCTC or Indian Railways rules. In recent years, some rules regarding refunds and ticket cancellations have also been changed. Overall, this last-minute booking and cancellation system has proven very useful for passengers, facilitating spontaneous travel and ensuring more efficient use of the railway's vacant seats.