Argus News - No More RAC! What Passengers Must Know about New Train Ticket Booking Rules

Bhubaneswar, Jan 17: With the launch of the Amrit Bharat 2 Express, Indian Railways has announced significant changes to fare and booking rules, marking a departure from the earlier Amrit Bharat Express system.

According to the Railway Board’s decision, the base fare remains unchanged, but minimum fares have now been introduced for shorter distances.

For instance, passengers traveling in sleeper class must pay the minimum fare equivalent to 200 km, which is ₹149, even if their journey is shorter. Similarly, in second class, the minimum ticket price has been fixed at ₹36 for 50 km.

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In addition to the base fare, reservation charges and superfast surcharges will also apply. This means that even if a passenger travels 100 km, they will still need to pay the minimum fare applicable for 200 km.

RAC Removed

One of the biggest changes in the Amrit Bharat 2 Express is the removal of RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) tickets in sleeper class. From the first day of advance booking, all passengers will receive confirmed tickets. For unreserved second-class travel, however, the old rules will continue.

Only Three Quotas

The new rules also limit sleeper class quotas to just three categories: women, differently-abled passengers, and senior citizens. No other quotas will be applicable in this train. Senior citizens and passengers traveling with children will be given priority for lower berths.

Men above 60 years and women above 45 years will automatically be allotted lower berths, subject to availability. Parents traveling with small children will also be prioritized for lower berths.

These changes are aimed at simplifying the booking process, ensuring fairness, and improving passenger convenience. The Amrit Bharat 2 Express is expected to set new standards in railway travel, balancing affordability with comfort.