Relief for RAC or Waitlisted Ticket Holders: Check for Empty Berths on Your Mobile

Train News: If you hold an RAC or waitlisted ticket, you can now check for empty berths on the train using your mobile phone. You can view seat status via the IRCTC Rail Connect app and digital charts, then have a berth allocated by the TTE in accordance with the rules.

Train Ticket Booking Tips: If your train ticket is currently RAC or waitlisted, you no longer need to repeatedly approach the TTE to secure a seat. Indian Railways has introduced a service allowing passengers to view information about empty berths directly on their mobile phones. Digital charts—available via the IRCTC Rail Connect app and the official railway website—reveal which seats in specific coaches are vacant. This helps passengers understand the situation beforehand.

According to the Railways, the first reservation chart is released approximately four hours before the train's departure, and the second chart is issued about 30 minutes prior to departure. Information regarding remaining seats is updated after the second chart is released. Passengers can access this by opening the 'Trains' section in the IRCTC Rail Connect app and selecting the 'Charts' option. Next, enter the train number, date of travel, and boarding station, then click on 'Get Train Chart.' Detailed seat information, organized by coach, will then appear on the screen.

The digital chart uses different colors to indicate seat status. A green color signifies that the berth is completely vacant, while other colors indicate that the seat is available only for specific segments of the journey. This allows passengers to easily determine the extent of a seat's availability.

However, simply occupying a seat because it appears vacant on the chart violates the rules. If you hold an RAC or waitlisted ticket, you must first speak to the on-board TTE. Under railway regulations, only the TTE is authorized to allocate vacant seats. If the seat allocation incurs an additional fee, you must pay it and obtain an official receipt from the TTE. The Railways states that this digital system has improved the seat allocation process. Passengers will no longer need to rely on recommendations or agents; they can check seat availability on their mobile phones and, in accordance with the rules, speak to the TTE to secure an available berth. This will reduce hassle during the journey and provide greater comfort to passengers.