Indian Railways Overhauls Sleeper Travel: RAC Removed, New Fare and Quota Rules Come Into Effect
Indian Railways Overhauls Sleeper Travel: RAC Removed, New Fare and Quota Rules Come Into Effect
Indian Railways has announced major changes aimed at making train travel more comfortable and organized, particularly for passengers using premium sleeper services. The Railway Board has introduced a series of updates that will affect ticketing, fares, and berth allocations, with Vande Bharat Sleeper trains being the focus of these reforms.
One of the most significant changes is the complete removal of RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) seats in Vande Bharat Sleeper trains. Passengers will no longer be forced to travel on half berths, as only fully confirmed tickets will now be issued. Consequently, there will be no provision for RAC, waiting list, or partially confirmed tickets on these trains, ensuring that travelers can plan their journey with certainty.
The Railway Board has also revised fare rules. According to a circular released on January 9, the minimum chargeable distance for Vande Bharat Sleeper trains will be 400 kilometers. For sleeper class in general, passengers will be required to pay the minimum fare for 200 kilometers, even if their journey is shorter, such as 100 kilometers. This fare has been fixed at ₹149 for sleeper class and ₹36 for second class for a minimum distance of 50 kilometers. Reservation charges and superfast charges will be levied separately, regardless of the distance traveled.
Quotas in sleeper class have also been limited to only three specific categories, and other quotas, including those for women, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities, will not apply. At the same time, the Railway Board has introduced a lower berth preference system for senior citizens and passengers traveling with children. Under this system, men aged 60 years and above and women aged 45 years and above will be given priority for lower berths, subject to availability at the time of booking.
All available berths will be open for booking from the first day of the Advance Reservation Period, providing passengers with clarity on ticket availability. Divisional Railway Manager Sunil Kumar Verma confirmed that these updated rules have been officially issued by the Delhi Railway Board and will be implemented accordingly.
These changes reflect Indian Railways’ ongoing efforts to enhance passenger comfort and streamline the travel experience. While some rules, such as the minimum fare and limited quota options, may require passengers to adjust their planning, the removal of RAC and the introduction of confirmed lower berths for seniors and families are expected to make overnight journeys on Vande Bharat Sleeper trains significantly more comfortable.
