Indian Railways sells millions of tickets every day for thousands of trains. Given the vastness and complexity of their network, they have developed a system that ensures maximum occupancy on all trains.
Some short-distance trains (typically daytime trains) can only be reserved 30 days in advance. There are some trains with even shorter booking windows, but these are not on the main tourist routes.
The earlier you book, the more likely you are to get a seat or berth in the train and travel class of your choice. Booking later becomes much harder, especially during Indian holidays.
You may come across strange numbers and letters when booking, such as WL 21/RAC 10 or WL 10/WL 4.
Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) - A Key to Your Train Travel
This article will give you a brief explanation of RAC.
WL = Waitlist
- RAC = Reservation Against Cancellation
A RAC ticket will get you on the train in your preferred class (a WL ticket won’t), but you may only end up with a seat. Booking early is the best way to avoid this.
If there are last-minute cancellations or if ticket holders receive a free upgrade to a higher class, then a person with a Reservation Against Cancellation ticket (RAC) will be assigned the vacant berth. RAC holders are given priority in filling any vacant seats due to upgrades or cancellations.
The other RAC holder will then have the opportunity to convert two seats into a berth.
Tickets for RAC are only available in the following categories:
- 2-tier air-conditioning (4 seats/carriage)
- 3-tier air-conditioning (6 seats/carriage)
- First Class without air conditioning (4 seats/carriage)
- Sleeper Class without air conditioning (up to 12 places per carriage)
How Do RAC and Waitlists Work?
The railways will sell RAC tickets when all seats/berths for a particular train/class (2A, 3A, FC & SL) are sold out. Once all RAC tickets are sold, a waiting list is created, and you can buy a ticket on the waitlist.
As per cancellations, a RAC/WL ticket will move closer to a confirmed berth. When the final reservation chart is prepared, unused reserved berths can also be used to reduce the RAC/waitlist.
Passengers with waitlisted tickets should frequently check their PNR status. Additionally, tracking the Train Running Status helps them stay informed about train timings and platform details.
The order in which tickets will be sold is as follows (in this example):
- Available 02
- Available 01
- RAC 01
- RAC 02
- RAC 03
- RAC 04
- WL 01
- WL 02
- And so on...
My Ticket Has Two Numbers. What Do They Mean?
The ‘number’ on all RAC/WL tickets is two-fold. First, it is the number you were assigned when you joined the waitlist. Second, it is your current position on the waitlist.
Let’s say you want to buy a train ticket (online or at the reservation office). You find the desired train, select your preferred class, and enter the date of your journey. Finally, you notice the ticket is WL 10/WL 4, and you decide to purchase it. (This example assumes 4 RAC spaces).
If your ticket is WL 10/WL 4, you joined the waitlist in position 10. However, due to cancellations, you are now at waitlist number 4. The first number (WL 10) won’t change. If there are 3 more cancellations, you will move to WL 10/WL 1. Another 3 cancellations will take you to WL 10/RAC 2. A further 2 cancellations will take you to WL 10/CNF (confirmed Train Ticket Booking, but your carriage and berth will only be known a few hours before departure).
The first number represents the position in which you joined the queue. This number will not change as it indicates your exact position when you entered the queue. All those ahead of you either have a better waitlist position or have RAC confirmed.
The ticket mentioned above would move through the waitlist as follows:
- WL 10/WL 4
- WL 10/WL 3
- WL 10/WL 2
- WL 10/WL 1
- WL 10/RAC 4
- WL 10/RAC 3
- WL 10/RAC 2
- WL 10/RAC 1
- WL 10/CNF
Can I Board the Train Now?
A waitlisted ticket (e.g., WL 10/WL 4) is still valid, but you cannot board the train with a waitlisted ticket.
- WL 10/RAC 2 = RAC ticket. You can board the train using a RAC ticket, but you might only get a seat instead of a berth.
- WL 10/CNF = Confirmed ticket. You can board the train and find your seat with this ticket.
My RAC/WL Position is Improving. Why?
The waitlist and RAC positions often improve, but it all depends on how early you purchase your tickets. The next part of this post will show you how to determine the probability of your RAC/WL status improving or becoming confirmed.
There are three main reasons for the improvement of RAC/WL positions:
- Frequent Cancellations: There is a nominal cancellation charge for ticket cancellations. Many people cancel their tickets. Some may have changed their plans, while others might book tickets in different classes, trains, or dates and later cancel the ones they don’t need as they get closer to their journey date.
- Reservation Chart Preparation: The reservation chart will be prepared before the journey. You might be surprised at how the waitlist changes after the final chart is prepared. I’ve included some examples below.
- Free Upgrades: If there are available berths in higher classes (1A, 2A, 3A & SL) and a waitlist in lower classes, passengers may be upgraded (for free) up to two classes above what they paid for. The computer determines who will receive a free upgrade when the reservation charts are created.
On busy trains, there’s little chance of getting a free upgrade, especially during Indian holidays. It’s also worth many trains sell out within minutes of the tickets going on sale.
How Can I Tell If My RAC/WL Has Improved?
You will need your PNR number (Passenger Record Number) to check the status of your RAC/WL ticket. This 10-digit (3+7) code is located on the top left corner of your ticket.
You can check your current ticket status using one of the methods below:
- Enter your PNR number on the Indian Railways Passenger Reservation Inquiry Page.
- The online PNR service is available from 04:00 to 23:30 IST (09:30-05:00 GMT).
- You can call 139 in India to check your PNR Status.
- PNR machines are available at most major railway stations, though they can be a hassle to use.
Remember, the second number represents your new position, and CNF means confirmed.
Conclusion
Understanding the RAC concept and the Indian Railways waitlist can enhance your travel experience. You'll be better prepared to enjoy your trip. You can avoid last-minute uncertainty by booking early and understanding how these systems operate. It is important to be informed about RAC processes and waitlists in India, as millions of passengers rely on this vast network. Next time you are planning a trip, keep these tips in mind to help you navigate the Indian Railways system with confidence.
