Parliamentary Panel Recommends Partial Fare Refund for RAC Passengers
A significant recommendation has emerged from a parliamentary committee regarding the ticketing practices of Indian Railways, specifically concerning passengers who book tickets under the Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) category. The panel has suggested that the railways should provide a partial fare refund to those passengers who pay the full fare but ultimately do not receive a confirmed berth during their journey.
Current Practice Under Scrutiny
Under the existing system, when passengers book tickets in the RAC category, they are required to pay the full fare equivalent to that of a confirmed berth. The RAC status indicates that while they have a reservation, they are not guaranteed a full berth at the beginning of the journey. Instead, they might share a berth or wait for a cancellation to get a confirmed seat. The parliamentary committee has highlighted that this practice is unfair, as passengers are charged the complete amount without the assurance of full accommodation.
Key Recommendations from the Panel
The committee's report emphasizes the need for a more equitable approach. The primary recommendations include:
- Partial Refund Mechanism: Implementing a system where passengers who do not obtain a full berth under RAC should receive a refund of a portion of their fare.
- Transparency in Charging: Ensuring that the fare structure clearly distinguishes between confirmed and RAC bookings to avoid confusion.
- Enhanced Passenger Rights: Advocating for better protection of passenger interests in cases where services are not fully rendered.
This proposal aims to address long-standing grievances from travelers who feel they are paying for a service they do not entirely receive. The committee argues that charging the full fare for an unconfirmed berth is not justified and calls for a revision in the railways' policy.
Potential Impact on Railway Operations
If implemented, this recommendation could lead to several changes in how Indian Railways manages its ticketing and revenue systems. It might necessitate:
- Revised Pricing Models: Developing new fare structures for RAC tickets that reflect the conditional nature of the service.
- Operational Adjustments: Streamlining processes to handle refunds efficiently without disrupting existing services.
- Improved Customer Satisfaction: Enhancing the overall travel experience by ensuring fairer treatment of passengers.
The parliamentary panel's suggestion comes amid ongoing efforts to modernize and reform the Indian Railways, making it more passenger-friendly and accountable. While the recommendation is not yet binding, it puts pressure on the railway authorities to reconsider their current practices and align them with principles of fairness and transparency.
As of the latest update in February 2026, the proposal is under discussion, and stakeholders are evaluating its feasibility and implications. Passengers and advocacy groups have welcomed the move, hoping it will lead to tangible improvements in railway services across the country.
