Can We Board Train With an RAC Ticket?
An RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) ticket is a type of train ticket issued by Indian Railways when there are no confirmed seats available at the time of booking, but there is still a possibility of getting a seat if some passengers cancel their reservations. RAC tickets are often seen as a half-confirmed status, where the passenger does not have a confirmed seat but is allocated a berth or a side berth in the train if cancellations occur.
A common question that arises is whether passengers with an RAC ticket are allowed to board the train. The answer depends on a few factors, such as the status of the train, seat availability, and the rules governing RAC tickets.
In this article, we will explore whether passengers holding an RAC ticket can board the train and the circumstances in which they are allowed to travel.
1. What is an RAC Ticket?
An RAC ticket is issued when a passenger has booked a ticket for a train, but there are no confirmed seats available at that moment. Instead of issuing a waitlist ticket (WL), which has no chance of being confirmed, the passenger is provided with an RAC ticket. RAC stands for Reservation Against Cancellation, and the passenger’s name is put on the list in case someone cancels their seat.
An RAC ticket holder is typically given a half-berth or a side lower berth on the train. If additional cancellations occur, the RAC ticket may be upgraded to a fully confirmed ticket (CNF), allowing the passenger to get a proper seat or berth.
2. Can We Board the Train with an RAC Ticket?
Yes, you can board the train with an RAC ticket, but there are specific conditions:
2.1 Seat/Accommodation on the Train
- RAC Passengers Are Allowed to Board: If you have an RAC ticket, you are allowed to board the train, but your seat may not be confirmed at the time of boarding.
- Shared Berth or Side Lower Berth: Initially, you may be allotted a side lower berth or half-berth, which is shared with another passenger. While it may not be the most comfortable, it ensures you a place to sit or sleep.
- Upgrading to a Full Berth: If there are cancellations, your ticket may be upgraded to a confirmed berth during the journey. The train conductor will update your status accordingly if a seat becomes available.
2.2 Boarding Procedure
- Before Departure: You must be at the train station on time with your RAC ticket. If a seat or berth becomes available after cancellations, the railway authorities will allocate it to the passengers with RAC tickets in the order of availability.
- On the Train: Once on the train, if no confirmed berths are available, you will be accommodated with the half-berth or side lower berth. If other passengers cancel, you will be upgraded to a full berth, and the conductor will inform you about the change.
3. Can an RAC Passenger Travel Comfortably?
The comfort level for RAC passengers varies depending on the number of cancellations and the availability of seats:
- Initial Accommodation: Initially, you might be allotted a side lower berth, which is typically smaller than a full berth. While it offers a place to sit or sleep, it might not be very comfortable for long journeys.
- Upgrading During Journey: If enough passengers cancel their tickets, your RAC ticket can be upgraded to a full berth, making your travel more comfortable.
4. What Happens if No Seats Are Available?
If the train is overcrowded, and there are no cancellations, the RAC passenger might have to travel while sitting on a half-berth or may need to stand for the entire journey, depending on seat availability. However, it is unlikely that a passenger with an RAC ticket will be denied boarding as long as they hold a valid RAC reservation.
5. How to Check the Status of Your RAC Ticket?
- Before Boarding: You can check the status of your RAC ticket on the IRCTC website, the train reservation chart, or via the PNR (Passenger Name Record) status, which will indicate if your ticket has been upgraded to a confirmed status.
- Train Station: You can also check with the Station Master or the ticket checker at the station to confirm whether you have been upgraded to a confirmed berth or still have a half-berth.
6. Conclusion
Yes, you can board the train with an RAC ticket, but your journey may begin with less comfort as you will likely have a side lower berth or half-berth. Your ticket status will be upgraded to a confirmed seat if there are cancellations or available seats. Although the experience may not always be ideal, especially if no cancellations occur, an RAC ticket guarantees you a place on the train, even if it is initially a shared or less comfortable berth.
If you have an RAC ticket, be prepared for some uncertainty regarding your exact accommodation, but rest assured that you will not be left without a seat. It is always a good idea to check your PNR status regularly to stay updated about any upgrades or changes.
Also Check:
• Can I Travel With RLWL Ticket? A Comprehensive Guide
• Can We Travel With a RAC Ticket? A Comprehensive Guide for Train Travelers
