RAC Passengers to Get Partial Refunds: Indian Railways Update

Indian Railways may be on the verge of a significant change that would make train travel fairer for millions of passengers. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has recommended that travellers who book RAC or Reservation Against Cancellation tickets, should be entitled to partial fare refunds. Under the current system, passengers often pay the full fare even if they do not receive a full berth. The committee described this as an “unfair practice” and urged the railways to introduce a mechanism to refund the difference.

RAC tickets are particularly popular among last-minute travellers who are unable to secure a confirmed seat. These passengers typically share a berth with another traveller and are sometimes not allotted a full seat at all. The PAC noted that charging full fare in such cases is unreasonable and called for a systematic solution to ensure that travellers pay only for the service they receive.

Revisiting Superfast Train Criteria

The parliamentary panel did not stop at RAC ticket fares. It also recommended reviewing the classification of Superfast trains. Currently, trains are deemed Superfast if they maintain an average speed of 55 kmph on broad gauge and 45 kmph on metre gauge, criteria that have remained unchanged since 2007. However, the committee found that nearly 123 out of 478 Superfast trains actually operate below the 55 kmph benchmark.

The PAC suggested revising the classification system to align with international standards, proposing a benchmark closer to 100 kmph. Additionally, the panel recommended that instead of focusing solely on introducing new services, the railways should prioritise the punctuality and efficiency of existing trains, which would directly benefit passengers and reduce delays.

Enhancing Passenger Experience

If implemented, partial fare refunds for RAC passengers could significantly improve trust in Indian Railways. Travellers who often pay full fares but do not receive a full berth will be reimbursed fairly, creating a more transparent and customer-friendly system. It also reflects a growing recognition that rail travel policies need to evolve to meet modern expectations of fairness and convenience.

The proposed measures could also encourage more people to use train services, knowing that the railways are taking steps to protect passenger interests. Moreover, the focus on punctuality and realistic fare structures would align India’s railway operations with global best practices, ensuring that travellers experience efficiency, comfort and fairness simultaneously.

While the recommendations are not yet final, the discussion represents a meaningful shift in how passenger rights are being considered. Travellers and railway staff alike will benefit from clearer fare structures, better accountability and enhanced service quality. The partial fare refund for RAC tickets, alongside improved standards for Superfast trains, could mark the beginning of a more passenger-centric approach in India’s railway system.