RAC in Indian Railways: Unfair Practices and Customer Suffering

Indian Railways is known for its efficient service in connecting thousands of destinations across the vast country. However, the introduction of RAC (Reservation AgainstCancellation) tickets has become a contentious issue, with numerous complaints from passengers and an ongoing debate about fairness.

What is RAC and Why Is It a Problem?

RAC stands for Reservation Against Cancellation and is a way for the railways to allow passengers to travel when a seat is not confirmed in a particular train. This system has been in place for decades and is meant to ensure that even if a seat does not confirm, the passenger will still get to travel. However, the current implementation of RAC has led to several issues, as highlighted by the stories and experiences shared below.

The Case of an RAC Passenger

For example, a passenger booked a ticket for an Agast Kranti Rajdhani train from Mumbai to Delhi in RAC seat 73 and paid 3200 rupees for the journey. Upon boarding, the passenger faced several hardships:

Limited Comfort: The train staff denied food to two people, distributing only one chapati to each of them, under the assumption that there was only one seat allocated for the pair.

Shared Space: No additional blankets or pillows were provided, adding to the discomfort of having to manage space with another passenger.

Price Doubled: The passenger was charged a total of 6400 rupees for the RAC seat, making the total 233600 rupees for the entire train. This additional cost seems unjust, considering the limited amenities and discomfort.

These experiences reflect a common issue faced by RAC passengers: they are made to bear the cost of a full seat but are often left with only half the berth. This raises questions about fairness and the true cost of travel.

Comparing RAC to Faker Tenants

Using a rental analogy, if a landlord expects to provide accommodation but not comfort, then adding another person without due consideration or additional compensation is unfair. Similarly, the Indian Railways sell two people one seat and earn on the name of RAC.

Pros: The RAC passenger is at least assured of a seat.

Cons:

Inconvenience: Having to sit for the entire journey, especially if only the upper berth is available.

Emotional Tiredness: Arriving at the destination more exhausted than someone with a confirmed berth.

For other passengers sharing the RAC seat:

Pros: An additional person can watch the luggage throughout.

Cons:

Space Issues: Increased competition for space, making life more cramped and uncomfortable.

Privacy Mismatch: The experience is not the same as traveling with someone they are close to.

Calls for Fairness and Reform

Passengers have highlighted several injustices and called for reforms. Some suggestions for improvement include:

Raise the Fare: The government could raise the cost of tickets by waiving off a small amount. This would ensure that RAC tickets only get a seat when one is confirmed, making the system more transparent and fair.

Optimal Business Model: The current model suffers in balance. Demand and supply need to be better managed, and prices should reflect the actual services provided.

No 'Maybe' in Services: Services should be defined clearly. If a service is offered (like a seat), it should be charged for. If not, it shouldn't be part of the fare.

Ultimately, the key is to ensure that everyone, whether traveling with a confirmed or RAC ticket, feels that the fare they pay matches the comfort and service they receive. Until this is achieved, the issue of RAC in Indian Railways will continue to be a source of frustration and debate.

Conclusion

The story of RAC in Indian Railways is a microcosm of the broader issue of service delivery in a country that values public transport heavily. While many arrangements and fixes are in place, it is clear that the system can be optimized for better service and fairness. The goals of ensuring service at all times and making it accessible to all without unduly taxing passengers are crucial.

Share your thoughts and experiences with us. How do you think RAC can be improved? What changes would you like to see in the system?