Facility Expansion Announced by Railway Board
The Indian Railways has recently expanded its ticket upgrade facility, benefiting millions of railway passengers. This initiative allows passengers holding Sleeper class tickets to be automatically upgraded to Second AC (2A) if seats are available. Additionally, a similar provision has been introduced for passengers with Second Seating (2S) tickets, enabling them to upgrade to AC Chair Car, enhancing travel options and comfort.
New Upgradation Rules Implemented
The announcement was made by Sanjay Manocha, Director (Passenger Marketing) of the Railway Board, through an official letter to all zonal railways on May 13. The revised rules now permit automatic upgrades from Sleeper class to Second AC and from Second Seating to AC Chair Car, provided there are vacant seats. Previously, upgrades from Sleeper class were limited to Third AC (3A), making this change a significant improvement in the ticket upgradation system.
Booking Process and Refund Policy
To take advantage of the automatic upgrade facility, passengers must select the “Auto Upgrade” option while booking tickets on the IRCTC website. It is important to note that if this option is not chosen at the time of booking, passengers will not be eligible for automatic upgrades. Furthermore, if a ticket is upgraded and subsequently canceled, the refund will be based on the fare of the original class, rather than the upgraded class fare. This policy aims to provide more flexibility and comfort for travelers, particularly budget-conscious ones during peak travel seasons.
Important Information Organised For You.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Facility Expansion | Automatic upgrades from Sleeper class to Second AC (2A) and from Second Seating (2S) to AC Chair Car if seats are available. |
| Announcement Date | May 13 |
| Responsible Authority | Railway Board Director (Passenger Marketing), Sanjay Manocha |
| Booking Requirement | Select “Auto Upgrade” option while booking on the IRCTC website. |
| Cancellation Policy | Refund based on original class fare, not upgraded class fare. |
| Target Audience | Budget travellers, especially during peak seasons. |
| Expected Benefit | Improved travel comfort without additional charges if higher-class seats are unbooked. |