The Indian Railways RAC system is reportedly under review amid concerns over passenger comfort and ticket pricing. However, the Railways has not announced any decision to discontinue the facility.
The reported review has brought renewed attention to Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC). Introduced in the 1980s, the system allows passengers to travel with reserved seating when full berths are unavailable.
Under the existing arrangement, two RAC passengers generally share one side-lower berth. Both pay the applicable full fare despite not receiving individual sleeping berths.
The facility ensures passengers can board trains with reserved accommodation. However, sharing sleeping space can cause discomfort, particularly during long-distance overnight journeys.
Why Indian Railways may reconsider the RAC system
RAC provides an intermediate status between a confirmed ticket and a waitlisted ticket. It allows passengers to travel even when the train has no full berth available.
During daytime hours, the side-lower berth serves as seating accommodation. At night, two passengers share the available sleeping space.
This arrangement has raised questions about whether passengers should pay the full fare. The concern centres on the difference between the accommodation provided to RAC passengers and those holding confirmed berths.
According to a railway official quoted by The Times of India, charging full fare without providing individual sleeping space may not be appropriate.
The reported review follows earlier discussions about passenger convenience and fare fairness. Nevertheless, no official notification has confirmed any change to the existing rules.
Parliamentary panel had recommended partial fare refunds
The issue has also attracted attention from Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC). Its 36th Report on ‘Punctuality and Travel Time in Train Operations in Indian Railways’ was tabled on February 4, 2026.
The committee questioned the justification for collecting full fares from passengers who retain RAC status after chart preparation.
It recommended that the Railway Ministry develop a mechanism for partial fare refunds. The proposal covers passengers who continue travelling under RAC without receiving individual berths.
This recommendation brought the pricing debate into sharper focus. It also highlighted the difference between reserved seating and confirmed sleeping accommodation.
How the RAC system works under existing rules
Under current railway reservation rules, RAC passengers receive reserved seating accommodation. If a berth becomes vacant following a cancellation, the Railways can allot it to an RAC passenger.
Additionally, vacancies arising during the journey may lead to further upgrades. However, such confirmation depends on berth availability.
RAC therefore differs from a waitlisted ticket. RAC passengers can board the train, while fully waitlisted e-tickets remaining unconfirmed after chart preparation face different boarding restrictions.
The arrangement helps accommodate more passengers on heavily booked trains. However, sharing a berth can create practical difficulties for passengers and train ticket examiners.
It may also cause discomfort when unrelated passengers share the same side-lower berth during overnight journeys.
Will RAC tickets become confirmed?
An RAC ticket can become confirmed if a berth becomes available before or during the journey. Passengers should therefore check their PNR status for any change.
For now, the existing RAC facility remains in operation. Travellers should not assume that the Railways has discontinued or abolished the system.
Any change will require an official announcement or revised reservation rules from the Ministry of Railways. Until then, passengers can continue booking tickets under the existing RAC provisions.
