Indian Railways has introduced new rules for the Amrit Bharat Express to make travel more certain for passengers. According to a Railway Board letter dated January 15, 2026, these changes will be implemented from January 2026 onwards. The primary goal is to remove the confusion of partial seat allotments during journeys.
What are the new ticket and quota rules?
The Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) system is now abolished for the Sleeper class in Amrit Bharat Express trains. Passengers will only get a fully confirmed ticket or a waitlisted ticket. Additionally, only specific quotas for Ladies, Divyang, and Senior Citizens will be available in the Sleeper class. Other reservation quotas will no longer be valid for these coaches.
How will the new minimum fare work?
The Railway Board has revised the minimum fare structure for different classes to standardize pricing. The charges are as follows:
| Class | Minimum Distance Charge | Basic Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeper Class | 200 KM | ₹149 |
| General/Second Class | 50 KM | ₹36 |
Reservation charges and superfast surcharges will be added separately, and the final ticket price will be rounded off to the nearest ₹5 or ₹10.
What are the changes in berth allotment and refunds?
Lower berths will be preferentially given to passengers traveling with children, as well as men above 60 years and women aged 45 and above, based on availability. The railways also established a new policy for ticket cancellations and refunds within 24 hours, and digital payments will be mandatory for reserved tickets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens if I want to book a Sleeper ticket in Amrit Bharat Express?
You will either get a confirmed ticket or a waitlisted ticket. The RAC system is no longer available for Sleeper class in these trains.
What is the minimum fare for Sleeper class in Amrit Bharat trains?
Passengers will be charged a minimum fare for 200 km, which is ₹149, even if the actual travel distance is shorter.