Good news may be on the way for millions of Indian Railways passengers who travel on RAC tickets.
A parliamentary committee has suggested that passengers who do not get a full berth despite paying the full fare should receive a partial refund.
This recommendation could bring long-awaited relief to RAC ticket holders.
Parliament Panel Raises Concern Over RAC Fares
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has asked the Railway Ministry to review the current RAC fare system.
The issue was highlighted in the committee’s report on train punctuality and travel time, which was presented in Parliament on February 4.
The committee pointed out that RAC passengers are charged the same fare as confirmed ticket holders, even though they are given only half a seat instead of a full berth.
Why the Committee Wants a Refund System
According to the PAC, charging full fare without providing a complete berth is unfair.
The committee believes that if a passenger does not get a full seat even after chart preparation, they should not be made to pay the entire amount.
It has recommended that Indian Railways develop a system to refund a part of the ticket fare to such passengers.
No Refund Available Under Current Rules
At present, RAC passengers are not eligible for any refund unless they cancel the ticket or file a TDR at least 30 minutes before the train’s departure.
If neither of these steps is taken, the full fare is charged even if the passenger travels without a full berth.
The committee has questioned this rule, stating that payment should match the service provided.
RAC Rules Tightened on Select Trains
The report also mentions that RAC rules have become stricter on some premium trains.
Since the beginning of this year, RAC ticket holders are not allowed to travel on 13 trains.
These include modern services like the Vande Bharat Sleeper and Amrit Bharat Express, where only passengers with confirmed tickets are permitted.
What Happens Next?
The Railway Ministry will now review the committee’s recommendation and take a final call.
If the proposal is accepted, it could lead to major changes in railway fare rules and offer fair pricing for RAC passengers in the future.
