If you’ve ever found yourself staring at your RAC ticket and wondering whether or not you’ll be able to board your train, you’re not alone. As travelers, we’re all familiar with this situation, and it’s one that can cause a great deal of stress and uncertainty. But is it possible to get into a train with an RAC ticket? The answer is a bit more complicated than a simple “yes” or “no.”
To understand the situation, it’s essential to know what an RAC ticket is and how it works. RAC stands for “Reservation Against Cancellation.” When you book an RAC ticket, you have a confirmed seat number, but it’s not yet confirmed whether or not you’ll get a berth on the train. This means that until the final chart is prepared, you won’t know when and where you’ll be seated. It’s a frustrating experience, to be sure, but there are things you can do to increase your chances of getting on the train.
In this article, we’ll unpack everything you need to know about RAC tickets and how they work. We’ll explore the best strategies for getting into your train and explain what to do if you find yourself stuck with an RAC ticket. So, whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a newbie trying to navigate the Indian railway system, this article is for you. Let’s dive in and discover the best ways to make the most of your RAC ticket.
Indian Railways
Indian Railways is considered one of the largest railway networks in the world. It is owned by the government and is responsible for the transportation of millions of people and goods throughout the country every day. With over 23 million passengers travelling every day, Indian Railways is an integral part of the country’s transportation infrastructure.
Can we get in train with RAC ticket?
- Yes, passengers with RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) tickets are allowed to board the train.
- However, RAC ticket holders are only provided with a seat or berth number after chart preparation, which can be as late as 2 hours before the train’s scheduled departure time.
- In case a ticket remains in RAC even after chart preparation, the passenger is provided with a shared seat.
Types of trains in Indian Railways
Indian Railways operates several types of trains that cater to different needs of passengers. Here are some of the most common types of trains:
- Express trains: These are faster trains that stop at a limited number of stations and run on popular routes.
- Mail trains: These trains carry mail and also offer passenger services.
- Local trains: These trains run within the city or its suburbs and connect various parts of the city.
- Duronto trains: These are non-stop trains that connect major cities in India.
- Shatabdi trains: These are day trains that connect major cities, offering meals on board.
Tatkal booking in Indian Railways
Tatkal booking is a type of reservation in Indian Railways that allows passengers to book their tickets at a short notice. Here are some important things to keep in mind:
- Tatkal bookings open at 10:00 am for AC classes and 11:00 am for non-AC classes, one day in advance of the train’s scheduled departure.
- Tatkal bookings are subject to higher fare charges than the normal booking charges.
- Tatkal bookings can only be done online or through designated reservation counters.
Indian Railways train schedule table
Here is an example of an Indian Railways Train Schedule Table:
| Train Number | Train Name | From | To | Departure Time | Arrival Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12235 | Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express | New Delhi | Dibrugarh Town | 9:25 PM | 8:20 PM |
| 12560 | Shiv Ganga Express | New Delhi | Varanasi Junction | 6:45 PM | 8:40 AM |
| 12839 | Howrah Chennai Mail | Howrah Junction | Chennai Central | 11:45 PM | 3:35 PM |
The train schedule table provides information about the train number, train name, starting station, destination station, departure time, and arrival time for a given train.
Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC)
Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) is a ticketing system implemented by Indian Railways. In RAC, passengers are allowed to board the train with a shared berth. Initially, half of the berth is allotted to one passenger, and the other half is assigned to someone else, who also has an RAC ticket.
- If a confirmed ticket holder cancels their reservation, the berth is allocated to the RAC passenger with the highest priority.
- If all the RAC passengers have their ticket confirmed, a full berth is allocated to them.
- If none of the RAC passengers’ tickets are confirmed, they are not allowed to board the train.
The RAC system allows more passengers to travel with limited availability of berths. It ensures that vacant berths can be utilized and passengers with RAC tickets can still travel on the train. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when traveling with an RAC ticket.
Firstly, an RAC ticket does not guarantee a berth. Some RAC passengers may end up sharing a berth and have to adjust with their co-passengers. Secondly, TTEs (Train Ticket Examiners) may ask RAC passengers to vacate their seats to accommodate a confirmed ticket holder. Lastly, RAC passengers do not get any refund if they cancel their ticket.
How to Check RAC Status
Passengers can check the status of their RAC ticket on the official Indian Railways website or through the mobile app. The RAC status shows the current position of the passenger in the RAC list and the probability of getting a full berth.
RAC Seat Layout
The RAC seat layout is different from the regular berth allocation system. In RAC, two passengers share a single berth. The berth is divided into two seats – the lower berth and the upper berth. The lower berth is allotted to one RAC passenger, and the upper berth is assigned to the other. During the journey, the passengers have to share the berth, and the seats are not adjustable.
| Berth Number | Position |
|---|---|
| 1 | Lower Berth |
| 2 | Middle Berth (RAC) |
| 3 | Upper Berth |
Passengers should be aware of the RAC system before booking their tickets. It is a convenient system for travelers to get a seat on the train even if the confirmed tickets are unavailable. However, RAC tickets do not guarantee a berth, and passengers must be prepared to share the compartment with strangers and adjust accordingly.
Availability of seats on trains
When it comes to train travel, one of the most important factors to consider is the availability of seats on the train. With the growing demand for train travel in India, it can be difficult to secure a seat, especially during peak travel seasons. However, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of getting a seat on your desired train.
- Book your ticket in advance: This is one of the most effective ways to secure a seat on your desired train. Indian Railways allows passengers to book their tickets up to 120 days in advance, and the earlier you book, the better your chances of getting a seat.
- Check for alternative routes or trains: If your desired train is fully booked, you can try looking for alternative routes or trains that may have available seats. This may require some flexibility in your travel plans, but it could be worth it to secure a seat.
- Consider booking a tatkal ticket: Tatkal tickets are special tickets that are reserved for last-minute bookings. These tickets can be booked one day prior to the date of travel and are subject to additional charges. While they may be more expensive, they can be a great option if you need a seat urgently.
In addition to the above tips, it’s also important to understand the different seat classes available on Indian trains. Most trains offer a range of classes, including sleeper class, AC 3-tier, AC 2-tier, and AC 1-tier. The higher classes generally offer more comfortable seats and amenities, but they also come with a higher price tag.
To help you understand the availability of seats on Indian trains, the Indian Railways website offers a seat availability feature. This feature allows you to search for seat availability on a specific train and class, making it easier to plan your travel accordingly.
| Class | Description |
|---|---|
| Sleeper class | The most common class of travel on Indian trains, with non-air conditioned berths and communal toilets. |
| AC 3-tier | Air-conditioned class with berths arranged in bays of six, with shared toilets and washrooms. |
| AC 2-tier | Air-conditioned class with berths arranged in bays of four, with curtains for privacy, and shared toilets and washrooms. |
| AC 1-tier | The most luxurious class of travel on Indian trains, with private cabins and a personal attendant. |
Overall, securing a seat on an Indian train can be a bit of a challenge, but with some planning and flexibility, you can increase your chances of getting a seat on your desired train. Use the Indian Railways website to search for seat availability, book in advance whenever possible, and consider alternative routes or ticket types to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free train journey.
Ticket Booking Process
Booking a train ticket can often be a daunting task, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the process. However, with the rise of technology and online booking platforms, booking a train ticket has become more accessible and easier than ever before.
Steps to Book a Train Ticket
- Step 1: Visit the Indian Railways website or any online ticketing platform.
- Step 2: Enter your origin and destination station along with the date of travel.
- Step 3: Choose the class and the number of seats required.
- Step 4: Enter passenger details including name, age, gender, and berth preference.
- Step 5: Review your booking details and make the payment.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
In case you need to cancel your train ticket, the Indian Railways offers a cancellation and refund policy. If you cancel your ticket before the train departure, a certain percentage of the ticket cost will be deducted as a cancellation fee, and the remaining amount will be refunded. The refund amount will depend on the time of cancellation and the class of your ticket.
It is essential to note that Tatkal and Premium Tatkal tickets are non-refundable in case of cancellation. However, if the train is canceled by the Indian Railways, a full refund will be processed.
What is an RAC Ticket?
RAC stands for Reservation Against Cancellation, meaning if you book an RAC ticket, you are not guaranteed a berth or a seat but a place on the train. However, you will get a seat if any cancellations occur before your journey or if the Indian Railways increases the train’s capacity.
| RAC Berth Status | Status Description |
|---|---|
| RAC 1 | The passenger gets a shared berth with another RAC passenger, but both can sit on the seats. |
| RAC 2 | The passenger gets a berth after two RAC passengers cancel their booking. |
It is essential to note that RAC tickets are not treated as confirmed tickets, and the final status may not be available until the chart preparation, which is usually done a few hours before the train’s departure. However, you can still board the train with an RAC ticket as you will be assigned a seat or a berth upon chart preparation.
Train travel guidelines during COVID-19
As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, train travel has come under scrutiny, with passengers rightfully concerned about their safety. Governments and transport authorities worldwide have issued guidelines to ensure the safety of passengers. Here are five essential guidelines to follow when traveling by train during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Wear a mask: One of the most crucial aspects of train travel during the pandemic is to wear a mask. A mask acts as a barrier, preventing the spread of droplets that could potentially be infected with COVID-19. Passengers must keep their masks on during the entire journey, from boarding till they disembark.
- Sanitize: A second critical guideline is to sanitize. When boarding the train, passengers must sanitize their hands using an alcohol-based sanitizer. They must also avoid touching their face and other surfaces unnecessarily while on the train.
- Social distance: Passengers must maintain a safe distance from other people. Adhere to safety signage, sit in marked seats or designated areas, and maintain a minimum distance of six feet from other passengers.
The following table shows how Indian Railways has implemented safety measures to curb the spread of COVID-19:
| Measure | Description |
|---|---|
| Thermal Screening | Temperature screening of all passengers is mandatory before boarding. |
| Social Distancing | Seats are marked to ensure passengers maintain a safe distance from each other. |
| Train Sanitation | Trains are thoroughly sanitized before and after each journey. |
It is crucial to recognize that these safety guidelines are not optional. Train travel in the COVID-19 era requires passengers to comply with all safety measures to keep themselves and their fellow passengers safe.
Waiting list in train reservations
Waiting list in train reservations is a common occurrence in India, where the demand for train travel is always high. In simple words, if all the seats in a train are already booked, you can still reserve a seat on a waiting basis. This means that you will be allotted a waiting list (WL) number, and your reservation will only be confirmed if any of the passengers with a confirmed reservation, cancels theirs.
Indian Railways has a well-defined waiting list system, which allows people to plan their travel even if they have not been able to secure a confirmed reservation. Here are some relevant points that you need to know about waiting list tickets:
- The waiting list number varies from WL1 to WL300, depending on the train, route, and availability of seats.
- You can check the current status of your waiting list ticket on the Indian Railways website or mobile app, or by sending an SMS.
- The waiting list tickets are charged at a lower fare than a confirmed reservation. The fare varies depending on the class and journey distance.
It is important to know that a waiting list ticket does not guarantee you a seat on the train. However, if the waiting list number is relatively low, there is a high probability that your ticket will be confirmed. Additionally, if your ticket remains on the waiting list, you can still board the train but will not be allotted a seat.
| Waiting list status | Description |
|---|---|
| WL/1, WL/2, WL/3 | Most likely to get confirmed ticket as they are top priority in waitlist. |
| WL/4 to WL/10 | Some chances of getting confirmed tickets but depends on the cancellation |
| WL/11 to WL/20 | Less chances of getting confirmed tickets |
| Above WL/20 | Very unlikely to get confirmed tickets |
If your ticket remains on the waiting list even after the chart preparation (usually 4 to 5 hours before the departure), it will get automatically cancelled, and the fare will be refunded to your account.
In conclusion, if you do not have a confirmed reservation, you can still plan your train journey by booking a waiting list ticket. However, it is important to keep track of your waiting list status to avoid any last-minute inconvenience. Happy journey!
Refund Policies for Cancelled Train Tickets
Travelling by train in India can be a great experience but sometimes, due to unforeseen circumstances, we may have to cancel our tickets. With Indian Railways introducing new rules and policies every now and then, it can be quite confusing for passengers to understand the refund policies for their cancelled train tickets. Here, we take a look at some of the important aspects that one should keep in mind while cancelling their train tickets in India.
- Passengers can cancel their tickets either online or at the rail station.
- The refund amount is decided based on the time of cancellation and the class of the ticket.
- If a confirmed ticket is cancelled more than 48 hours before the scheduled departure of the train, the railway charges a cancellation fee of Rs.240 for AC First Class/Executive Class, Rs.200 for AC 2 Tier/First Class, Rs.180 for AC 3 Tier/AC Chair car/AC 3 Economy, Rs.120 for Sleeper Class and Rs.60 for Second Class. The remaining amount will be refunded back to the passenger.
If a confirmed ticket is cancelled within 48 hours and up to 12 hours before the scheduled departure of the train, 25% of the fare along with the cancellation fee will be deducted as the cancellation charge. If the ticket is cancelled between 12 hours and up to 4 hours before the scheduled departure of the train, 50% of the fare along with the cancellation charge will be deducted as cancellation charges. Cancellation of confirmed tickets within 4 hours before the scheduled departure of the train and up to chart preparation will invite a cancellation charge equivalent to the fare of the ticket.
If a waitlisted/RAC ticket is cancelled up to 30 minutes before the scheduled departure, the cancellation charge will be Rs.60 per passenger. If the ticket is cancelled after chart preparation, no refund will be provided for RAC/waitlisted tickets. As per Indian Railways rules, chart preparation is typically done 4 hours before the scheduled departure of the train.
Passengers travelling with e-tickets who miss the train due to any reason are entitled to a refund automatically. No refund is granted if a passenger misses a train because of his own fault or negligence. In such cases, the passenger has to file TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt) request within 4 hours of the scheduled departure of the train, else no refund will be granted.
| Class of Ticket | Cancellation fee before 48 hours of the scheduled train departure |
|---|---|
| Sleeper Class (SL) | Rs.120 |
| Second Class (2S) | Rs.60 |
| AC Chair Car (CC) | Rs.180 |
| AC 3 Tier (3A)/AC 3 Economy (3E) | Rs.180 |
| AC 2 Tier (2A)/First Class (FC) | Rs.200 |
| AC First Class (1A)/Executive Class (EC) | Rs.240 |
With these rules in place, it becomes important for passengers to plan their travel well in advance and make sure to cancel their tickets on time to avoid hefty cancellation charges.
FAQs about Can We Get in Train with RAC Ticket
1. What does RAC ticket mean?
RAC stands for Reservation Against Cancellation. This means that while you don’t have a confirmed seat yet, you still have a chance of getting one if someone cancels their booking.
2. Can I board a train with an RAC ticket?
Yes, you can. But keep in mind that you might have to share your seat with another passenger until a seat becomes available.
3. Will I definitely get a seat with an RAC ticket?
No, there is a chance that you might not get a seat. But if you don’t, you will be given a refund.
4. How will I know if I have been allotted a seat or not?
You can check your ticket status on the IRCTC website or the NTES app. You will also be informed by a railway official if a seat becomes available.
5. Can I cancel my RAC ticket?
Yes, you can. But there are cancellation charges that apply, and you will get a refund only after deducting them.
6. Will I get a refund if I miss my train with an RAC ticket?
Yes, you will get a refund, but only if you cancel your ticket before the scheduled departure time of the train.
7. Can I upgrade my RAC ticket to a confirmed one?
No, you cannot upgrade your RAC ticket to a confirmed one. But you can cancel it and book a new ticket with a confirmed seat.
Closing Title: Thank You for Reading!
We hope that we were able to answer all your questions about RAC tickets and train travel. Remember, with an RAC ticket, you can board the train and still have a chance of getting a seat. However, there is a possibility that you might have to share your seat with another passenger until a seat becomes available. Don’t forget to check your ticket status and cancel your ticket before departure if you cannot travel. Thank you for taking the time to read our article and we hope to see you again soon!