Vande Bharat Sleeper Train: Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) tickets will no longer be available for rail passengers on the fast Vande Bharat Express. To improve passenger comfort, Indian Railways has made major adjustments to its train travel and ticketing rules.
Under a completely transparent booking system, all passengers would have equal access to the Vande Bharat sleeper trains without any special treatment. This action demonstrates the Railways’ commitment to offering the general people simple and accessible travel options.
RAC seating would be completely eliminated on a number of trains, including the Vande Bharat sleeper trains, according to Indian Railways. As a result, one of the main disadvantages of the RAC system will be eliminated: customers will no longer need to travel with partially confirmed tickets.
The Railway Board issued a circular on January 9 stating that the Vande Bharat sleeper trains will travel a minimum of 400 Km. For these trains, only confirmed tickets will be offered; RAC, waitlisted, and partially confirmed reservations will not be accepted. As soon as the Advance Reservation Period (ARP) starts, all available berths will be available for reservation. The new regulation states that for 200 km trips, the minimum fare for Sleeper Class will be Rs 149.
Check the updated fare structure and quotas for the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train.
The basic ticket for a 50-Km trip in Second Class is Rs 36, with extra fees for reservations and fast services. The minimum fee for 200 km in Sleeper Class will still apply to passengers traveling shorter distances, such 100 km.
Only three categories—for women, older citizens, and passengers with disabilities—have been added to the Railways’ Sleeper Class quotas. There won’t be any more quotas. Senior citizens and those with children will also be given priority for lower berths. These lower berths will be distributed based on availability, and the system will try to give them to women 45 years of age and older as well as men 60 years of age and older.
FAQs
1. What is the biggest change in Vande Bharat Sleeper Train ticket booking?
The biggest change is that RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) tickets are completely removed. Only fully confirmed tickets will be issued for Vande Bharat sleeper trains.
2. Will waitlisted tickets be allowed on Vande Bharat sleeper trains?
No. Waitlisted, RAC, and partially confirmed tickets will not be accepted. Passengers can travel only with confirmed berths.
3. Why has Indian Railways removed RAC tickets?
Indian Railways removed RAC to improve passenger comfort and transparency. This ensures that every passenger gets a full berth, eliminating the inconvenience of shared or half seats.
4. When did Indian Railways announce these new rules?
The Railway Board issued a circular announcing the changes on January 9.
5. What is the minimum distance for Vande Bharat sleeper trains?
Vande Bharat sleeper trains will operate for a minimum distance of 400 km.
6. What is the minimum fare for Sleeper Class in Vande Bharat trains?
The minimum Sleeper Class fare is Rs 149 for journeys up to 200 km. This fare will apply even if a passenger travels a shorter distance, such as 100 km.
7. What is the Second Class fare for short-distance travel?
The base fare for Second Class for a 50 km journey is Rs 36, excluding reservation charges and superfast fees.
8. Are all berths available as soon as booking opens?
Yes. Once the Advance Reservation Period (ARP) begins, all available berths will be open for booking under a fully transparent system.
9. Are there any special quotas in Sleeper Class?
Yes. Only three categories have reserved quotas:
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Women
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Senior citizens
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Persons with disabilities
No other quotas will apply.
10. Will senior citizens get lower berths in Vande Bharat sleeper trains?
Yes. Senior citizens and passengers with children will be given priority for lower berths, subject to availability.
11. Who is eligible for lower berth preference?
Lower berths will be allotted based on availability to:
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Women aged 45 years and above
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Men aged 60 years and above
12. Will there be any special treatment or priority bookings?
No. Indian Railways has confirmed that all passengers will have equal access, with no special treatment under the new booking system.
13. How does this benefit passengers?
The new rules ensure:
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No uncertainty due to RAC
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Better comfort and privacy
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Fully confirmed journeys
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Fair and transparent booking system
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