RAC tickets on trains to be discontinued! Railways preparing for changes..
RAC System to be Discontinued: Indian Railways is considering major changes to make travel more comfortable and convenient for its millions of passengers. Deliberations have begun regarding the potential abolition or modification of the 'Reservation Against Cancellation' (RAC) system, which has been a part of the train reservation framework for decades. Under current rules, when trains are heavily crowded and confirmed tickets are unavailable, the Railways issues RAC tickets. This system allows two passengers to share a single berth or seat, forcing both to travel while cramped or occupying only half the space.
However, the necessity of sharing a seat or berth—and having to sit or sleep in a restricted space—during long-distance journeys has become a source of significant inconvenience for passengers. Notably, the Vande Bharat sleeper trains do not incorporate an RAC or waiting-list system; only passengers with confirmed tickets are permitted to travel.
Why is the RAC system being questioned?
This decades-old policy is currently under review, based on feedback received from passengers. Railway officials argue that it is unfair to charge the full fare for a berth or seat when a passenger does not receive the full space. Furthermore, from an operational standpoint, RAC tickets often create significant administrative challenges.
Difficulties are particularly pronounced when a male and a female passenger—who are strangers to each other—are assigned the same berth, leading to considerable discomfort during the journey. In such instances, Train Ticket Examiners (TTEs) also face major challenges in finding alternative arrangements to ensure passenger comfort.
A parliamentary committee has also raised concerns regarding the RAC system, noting that it is unjust to charge a full fare when a passenger is not provided with a full berth. The committee recommended that the Railways establish a mechanism to refund a portion of the fare to such passengers. A Lifeline for Passengers During Rush Periods
During the festive season—especially around Diwali and Chhath Puja—trains across almost every route in the country experience intense overcrowding. In such times, the RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) facility becomes a vital lifeline for passengers who must reach home at any cost. Since traveling without a valid ticket in the reserved compartments of Indian Railways is strictly prohibited and illegal, this facility offers a legal way for those unable to secure a confirmed ticket to travel by train.
However, it is now being felt that this rule—formulated many years ago—should be re-evaluated in light of today’s modern, passenger-centric standards. This potential move by the Railways is expected to make train travel significantly more convenient for passengers in the future.
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