Amrit Bharat Trains: New Ticketing Policy Excludes RAC Tickets on 12 Routes
In a significant update to its ticketing regulations, Indian Railways has announced that RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) tickets will not be permitted on the newly introduced Amrit Bharat trains. This policy change affects a total of 12 Amrit Bharat trains that were flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January 2026, marking a shift in how passengers can book and travel on these services.
Understanding the Amrit Bharat Train Initiative
The Amrit Bharat trains were first launched in 2023 with the aim of providing affordable, safe, and reliable long-distance travel for common passengers, particularly those from lower and lower-middle income backgrounds. Designed to bridge the gap between conventional mail/express services and premium trains like the Vande Bharat Express, these trains offer:
- Improved amenities and enhanced safety features
- Better ride comfort at economical fares
- A travel experience comparable to higher-end services
By focusing on quality and accessibility, the Amrit Bharat initiative seeks to democratize rail travel across India.
Railway Board's Statement on RAC Ticket Policy
According to an official statement from the Railway Board, RAC ticket holders are not allowed to board Amrit Bharat trains introduced from or after January 2026. The notification explicitly states: "It has been decided to introduce Amrit Bharat II Express (introduced from or after January 2026 onwards) over Indian Railways. There shall be no provision for RAC tickets."
This move aligns the ticketing norms of Amrit Bharat trains with those of the Vande Bharat Sleeper services, ensuring a standardized approach. Passengers are advised to book confirmed tickets to avoid any inconvenience during their journey.
Full List of Amrit Bharat Trains Where RAC Tickets Are Not Valid
The following 12 Amrit Bharat trains, launched in January 2026, do not allow RAC tickets. Passengers must have confirmed reservations to travel on these routes:
- Guwahati (Kamakhya) – Rohtak Amrit Bharat Express
- Dibrugarh – Lucknow (Gomti Nagar) Amrit Bharat Express
- New Jalpaiguri – Nagercoil Amrit Bharat Express
- New Jalpaiguri – Tiruchirappalli Amrit Bharat Express
- Alipurduar – SMVT Bengaluru Amrit Bharat Express
- Alipurduar – Mumbai (Panvel) Amrit Bharat Express
- Kolkata (Santragachi) – Tambaram Amrit Bharat Express
- Kolkata (Howrah) – Anand Vihar Terminal Amrit Bharat Express
- Kolkata (Sealdah) – Banaras Amrit Bharat Express
- Thiruvananthapuram Central – Tambaram Amrit Bharat Express
- Thiruvananthapuram North – Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express
- Nagercoil Jn – Mangaluru Jn Amrit Bharat Express
These trains are set to begin their commercial operations soon, connecting key cities across India and enhancing regional connectivity.
Implications for Passengers and Future Travel
The exclusion of RAC tickets on Amrit Bharat trains underscores Indian Railways' commitment to streamlining ticketing processes and improving passenger experience. While this may limit flexibility for last-minute travelers, it aims to reduce overcrowding and ensure a more comfortable journey for those with confirmed bookings.
Passengers planning to use these services should book their tickets well in advance through IRCTC or other authorized channels. This policy update is part of broader efforts by Indian Railways to modernize its operations, including safety enhancements and infrastructure upgrades, as seen in initiatives like the renewal of 7,900 track kilometers in FY27.
As the Amrit Bharat trains roll out, they represent a pivotal step in making premium rail travel more accessible, while maintaining high standards of service and efficiency.
