Indian Railways RAC System Review: Shared Berths or Lower Fares?
Indian Railways is conducting an RAC system review to address fare equity and privacy. See if shared berths or lower fares are coming.
As part of a major Indian Railways RAC system review, officials are currently scrutinizing the Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) rules to address long-standing passenger grievances. The move aims to tackle growing concerns regarding passenger comfort and the fairness of current ticket pricing.
The Controversy Over Shared Berths
Under the existing RAC arrangement, two passengers are required to share a single side-lower berth. While this allows travelers to board the train, it has sparked intense debate over fare equity. Currently, both passengers are required to pay the full fare, even though they do not receive exclusive occupancy of a berth.
The current system has created several significant challenges for both travelers and staff:
- Financial Fairness: Passengers have expressed frustration at paying full price for what essentially amounts to half a sleeping space.
- Privacy Issues: The shared space presents social and operational hurdles for Train Ticket Examiners (TTEs), particularly concerning the privacy of male and female passengers sharing the same area.
Recommendations from the Public Accounts Committee
The push for reform gained momentum following a report released in February 2026 by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), titled 'Punctuality and Travel Time in Train Operations in Indian Railways.' The committee explicitly challenged the fairness of the existing pricing structure.
The PAC recommended that the Ministry of Railways implement a mechanism to provide partial refunds to passengers who do not receive a full, exclusive berth.
Proposed Reforms Under Consideration
As of November 15, 2026, the Railway Board is actively examining several potential reforms to resolve these issues. While no official order has been passed, the following proposals are being studied:
- Individual Full Berths: Transitioning to a system where every passenger is provided with their own full berth.
- Adjusted Fare Structures: Modifying RAC ticket prices so that the fare reflects the shared nature of the accommodation.
- Improved Upgrade Mechanisms: Enhancing the way passengers are moved from RAC to confirmed status to prioritize comfort.
Current Status for Passengers
Despite various media reports suggesting that the RAC system might be abolished immediately, no official government order has been issued. All existing rules and protocols remain in effect until a formal notification is released by the Ministry of Railways. Passengers are advised to continue following current guidelines for their upcoming journeys.