Rajdhani 2AC Ticket with RAC vs Waiting List: Navigating the Rules and Travel Possibilities
Are you faced with the dilemma of having two Rajdhani 2AC tickets on the same PNR number, one of which is a RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) ticket and the other a waiting list ticket? Understanding the rules surrounding these tickets can be quite confusing. This article aims to clarify the situation and explain the travel possibilities.
Understanding RAC Ticket
A RAC ticket holds a significant position in Indian Railways’ reservation system. The key distinction of a RAC ticket is that it is partially confirmed and legally allows the holder to travel. Here's what to expect:
Travel Permitted: The holder of a RAC ticket is permitted to travel. Seating Arrangement: The traveler may share a seat and possibly get a side lower berth. Cancellation Scenario: In the event of cancellations, the RAC ticket can be upgraded to a confirmed seat.Understanding Waiting List Ticket
A waiting list ticket, on the other hand, is not partially confirmed, and the ticket holder is not allowed to travel until the ticket gets confirmed. Here are the details:
Travel Not Allowed: The holder of a waiting list ticket cannot travel until the ticket is confirmed. No Valid Ticket: A waiting list ticket is not valid for travel without confirmation. No Assurance of Travel: Confirmation of the ticket is not guaranteed and depends on the availability of seats.Scenarios and Practical Advice
Imagine a scenario where you have two 2AC tickets on the same PNR number: one RAC and one waiting list. Here's how the travel possibilities unfold based on the last-minute changes and the rules:
Scenario 1: One Ticket Gets Confirmed as RAC
During chart preparation, if one of the tickets gets confirmed as RAC while the other remains waiting, the situation can be awkward. Here's what to do:
Contact IRCTC Customer Care: Reach out to IRCTC to confirm that the non-RAC ticket will not be auto-cancelled. Travel with RAC Ticket: Only the holder of the RAC ticket can travel and will have a side lower berth or shared seat. Waiting List Passenger: The waiting list passenger must wait for confirmation and will not be allowed to board without a confirmed ticket.Scenario 2: Both Tickets Remain on Waiting List
If both tickets remain on the waiting list, the situation meets the criteria for having a RAC ticket:
Shared PNR: Both passengers on the same PNR can travel if one of them gets upgraded to RAC. TTC (Train Ticket Counter) Decision: The final confirmation depends on the arrangement by the Train Ticket Counter (TT). Travel Rights: Both passengers can board if one of them is upgraded to RAC, and they will be considered as a single confirmed ticket.Personal Experience
From personal experience, it's not uncommon for passengers to face similar situations. For instance:
Verification with IRCTC: My relative and I had waiting list tickets for Rajdhani 2AC. During chart preparation, only one ticket was confirmed as RAC, while the other remained waiting list. IRCTC Confirmation: We contacted IRCTC's Customer Care number to confirm that the non-RAC ticket would not be auto-cancelled. Travel Decision: Both of us were informed that the second waiting list passenger could travel if the RAC ticket holder's seat was available.Conclusion
Understanding the differences between RAC and waiting list tickets can help alleviate some of the confusion and stress. Be prepared for possible seat sharing or other scenarios, but rest assured that those with a RAC ticket will have legal travel rights. Always communicate with IRCTC and follow their guidance for your travel plans.