What is RAC 47 in a train?

  Understanding RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) on Indian Railways

Introduction:

When you travel by train in India, you may come across different types of tickets and reservation categories. One such category is RAC, or Reservation Against Cancellation. In this guide, we'll explain what RAC is, how it works, and what you can expect when you have an RAC ticket.

What is RAC?

RAC stands for Reservation Against Cancellation. It's a type of train ticket reservation status used by Indian Railways. When you book a ticket with RAC status, it means you might not get a full berth (seat or sleeping space) to yourself. Instead, you may have to share a berth with a co-passenger during your journey.

How RAC Works:

1. Allocation of Seats: RAC tickets are typically assigned to side lower berths in the train compartment. This is the seating area on the side of the compartment, usually near the doors.

2. Sharing a Berth: When you have an RAC ticket, you will share your berth with another RAC passenger. Both of you will occupy the same berth, which might seem a bit uncomfortable, but it allows both of you to travel.

3. Upgradation to Confirmed Status: If other passengers cancel their confirmed tickets, your RAC status can be upgraded to a confirmed berth. This means you'll be given a full berth to yourself.

4. Waitlist and Confirmation: If you have an RAC ticket, your chances of getting a confirmed berth depend on the number of cancellations made by other passengers before the train departs.

Advantages of RAC Tickets:

1. Guaranteed Travel: With an RAC ticket, you are allowed to board the train, so your journey is guaranteed even if you share a berth.

2. Possibility of Upgradation: If there are cancellations, your RAC ticket might be upgraded to a confirmed ticket, giving you a full berth.

3. Cheaper Cancellation Charges: If you decide to cancel an RAC ticket, the cancellation charges are minimal compared to confirmed tickets.

Disadvantages of RAC Tickets:

1. Sharing a Berth: Sharing a berth with a co-passenger may be uncomfortable, especially on long journeys.

2. Uncertainty: You're not guaranteed a full berth until just before the train departs, depending on cancellations.

What Happens Onboard?

- Ticket Verification: Once you board the train, the Traveling Ticket Examiner (TTE) will verify your ticket and assign you a berth based on the availability of seats.

- Upgradation: If there are free seats or cancellations, the TTE may allocate a full berth to you.

- Sharing Arrangement: If no free berths are available, you will share the side lower berth with another RAC passenger.

Cancellation and Refund Policy:

- Cancellation Time: RAC tickets can be canceled up to 30 minutes before the train's departure from the original station.

- Cancellation Charges: The cancellation charges for RAC tickets are minimal.

- Full Refunds: If the train is delayed by more than three hours or is canceled, you are eligible for a full refund.

Tips for RAC Ticket Holders:

1. Check Your Status Regularly: Monitor your ticket status online or at the train station to see if your RAC ticket has been upgraded to confirmed status.

2. Arrive Early: Getting to the train station early gives you time to check with the TTE about seat availability and possible upgradation.

3. Communicate with Co-Passengers: When sharing a berth, it’s helpful to communicate with your co-passenger to make the journey comfortable for both of you.

Conclusion:

RAC is a useful option for train travelers when confirmed tickets are not available. It allows you to travel even when the train is fully booked, with the possibility of being upgraded to a confirmed berth. Understanding how RAC works and its benefits and drawbacks will help you have a better train travel experience.