Railways to increase RAC berths in all trains from January 17

New Delhi: Indian Railways has decided to increase Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) berths in all trains.

The move will help in allowing more persons to travel in the train. The enhanced RAC accommodation will be available in trains in which booking will be opened from 16th January, 2017.

Worried over vacant seats in premier trains, the railways have also notified few changes in the flexi fare structure to attract last minute passengers. The changes will be implemented on an experimental basis for six months w.e.f. December 20.

At present, the fares of Rajdhani, Duronto and Shatabdi can go up to 50% more than the base fare as per the flexi fare system introduced on September 9.

However, now according to the notification, the higher fares in premier trains can go upto 40% instead of earlier 50% ceiling after finalisation of the reservation chart.

Vacant berths available after the finalisation of the chart will be offered at 1.4 times higher than the base fare instead of current practice of 1.5 times increase.

There were 5,871 vacant berths in Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto trains during September 9-October 31 this year, according to the railways.

 If a passenger wants to travel after the finalisation of the chart then he can avail it by paying only 40% higher than the base fare instead of 50%, subject to availability of berths.

Under the flexi-fare scheme, the fare increases by 10% with every 10% of berths sold subject to maximum prescribed limit 1.5 times in sleeper, 2AC, AC chair car and in 3AC class.

No change has been made in the fare for 1st AC and executive class of travel.

Railways is expecting to earn Rs 500 crore in the current financial year from flexi fare structure in 42 Rajdhanis, 46 Shatabdis and 54 Durontos.