Can I Travel in a Special Train if My RAC/WL Ticket is Not Confirmed?

Yes, in general, you can still travel even if your RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) or WL (Waiting List) ticket is not confirmed. Here's a detailed explanation of what the RAC and WL figures on your ticket mean and how you can still travel using a special train if needed.

Understanding RAC and WL Ticket Status

The RAC and WL figures on your ticket provide important information about your booking status. The left-side figure, such as RAC 26, signifies the current status of your booking. On the other hand, the right-side figure, such as WL211, indicates the total number of RAC and WL tickets booked so far.

For instance, if all CNF (Confirmed) tickets for a particular train are booked, the status will change to RAC 1. If 10 people have booked RAC tickets, the status will be RAC 10/RAC 10. This signifies that all RAC tickets for that train are currently allotted, and the total quota is still RAC 10.

However, if three people cancel their RAC tickets, the current status might change to RAC 7, but the ultimate status would remain RAC 10. In such cases, the ticket will be indicated as RAC 7/RAC 10.

Based on these figures, you can derive the status as mentioned in your query. If the situation arises where your RAC/WL ticket is not confirmed, you are still eligible to travel according to Indian Railways guidelines.

Indian Railways Guidelines for Travel

Indian Railways' guidelines state that you are allowed to travel on an RAC or WL ticket if the time has not yet come for booking confirmation. This provision is in place to ensure passengers do not lose their seats inadvertently.

It is advisable to check the official Indian Railways website for the most up-to-date guidelines, as these can sometimes change.

Special Train Booking

If your RAC/WL ticket is not confirmed and you intend to travel, you may be able to book a special train seat if accommodation is available. The recent introduction of the Vikalp scheme provides passengers with the option to book a confirmed ticket on a different train, typically leaving just before or after your original train.

How the Vikalp Scheme Works

When booking a WL ticket, passengers can opt for the Vikalp scheme. If the chance to get a confirmed ticket on your original train is slim, this scheme allows you to choose an alternative train with available confirmed tickets. However, you might need to pay additional charges based on the fare difference between the two trains.

It is important to clearly agree to the scheme's conditions, including paying extra charges, before proceeding with the booking.

In conclusion, if your RAC/WL ticket is not confirmed, you can still travel. Make sure to understand the details of your ticket status and explore alternative booking options if needed.