Indian Railways new rules: RAC tickets will no longer be available in trains like Vande Bharat, elderly women will get lower berths, know the new rules

New Delhi: Indian Railways has made many major and historic changes in its rules to make the travel of passengers more comfortable and convenient than before. The biggest relief is that the system of RAC tickets in premium trains like Vande Bharat (Sleeper) has now been completely abolished. This simply means that now passengers will not be forced to travel by squeezing into ‘half seat’. Railways aims to provide confirmed berths to everyone in modern trains, making long distance travel pleasant.

The rule of only ‘confirmed ticket’ in Vande Bharat Sleeper

According to the new circular issued by the Railway Board, now there will be no hassle of waiting or RAC in Vande Bharat sleeper trains. Only confirmed tickets will be issued in these trains, so that every passenger can get a full berth. Apart from this, to travel in these premium trains, it will be mandatory to take a ticket for a distance of at least 400 kilometers. There has also been a change in the fare of ordinary trains, where a minimum fare of Rs 200 km (₹ 149) will have to be paid for sleeper class and 50 km (₹ 36) for second class.

Big change in quota system, only 3 categories will get priority

Railways has made the reservation rules even more strict. Now passengers traveling short distances in sleeper class will have to pay a minimum fare of 200 kilometres, even if their journey is 100 kilometres. Along with this, reservation and superfast charges will have to be paid separately.

Apart from this, a major change has also been made in the quota system. Now only three categories will get the benefit of special quota within the coach:

1. disabled person
2. women
3. Senior Citizens

All other types of quotas have been abolished, making the process of berth allotment for general passengers more transparent and simpler than before.

Good news for elderly and women, will easily get lower berth

The Railway Board has given great relief to senior citizens, women and passengers traveling with children. Under the new system, now efforts will be made to allot lower berths on priority basis to men above 60 years of age and women above 45 years of age during ticket booking. According to DRM Sunil Kumar Verma, this system will work on the basis of berth availability, so that elderly passengers do not face any problem in boarding and deboarding the train. Also, mothers traveling with small children will also be given special priority in seat allotment.