Transportation
Understand Auto Upgradation in IRCTC: Eligibility, Rules, and Benefits
Understand Auto Upgradation in IRCTC: Eligibility, Rules, and Benefits
Introduction to Auto Upgradation in IRCTC
Indian Railways, through its official reservation system, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), offers an auto upgradation scheme intended to benefit passengers traveling in lower classes. This system automatically upgrades a passenger's berth or seat to a higher class if seats are available in that class.
Eligibility for Auto Upgradation
Eligibility criteria for auto upgradation are crucial to understand. Full-fare paying passengers, who have not availed any concessions, are considered for this upgrade. Important categories of passengers, such as senior citizens, students, journalists, disabled persons, war widows, and patients, are not recognized for auto upgradation. This ensures a fair and transparent process for fare-paying passengers.
Benefits and Cost Considerations
The auto upgradation process is cost-effective for passengers. There are no additional charges for passengers to benefit from this upgrade. The primary intention is to ensure that no seats remain vacant and to accommodate those who are waiting for berths. This system aims to enhance the comfort and satisfaction of passengers without any financial burden.
Checking Your Upgradation Status
Passengers can check the status of auto upgradation in various ways. Before, this could be done through the Indian Railways official website. However, due to website revamp, passengers may now need to resort to checking their PNR status or referring to the reservation charts displayed on the platform before the train departs. This alternative method ensures that passengers stay informed about any changes to their original booking.
Railway Upgradation Rules
Several rules govern the auto upgradation process, ensuring a standardized and fair approach. Here are some key rules:
**) Upgraded passengers will be accommodated in the same train departing on the same date as mentioned during the reservation**: This ensures continuity and convenience for passengers. **) PNR Passenger Name Record remains the same**: This means all inquiries can be directed towards the original PNR number, maintaining a consistent reference for passengers. **) Cancellation charges apply to the original class of travel: If a passenger cancels their ticket, they will incur charges related to the class in which they were originally booked. **) If multiple passengers are booked on a particular PNR, either all or none are selected for upgrade: This ensures a fair decision for all passengers. **) Passengers cannot choose berth preferences**: It is an automatic process based on seat availability. **) Seats will be allotted only if available in the next higher class: This ensures that upgrades are only made when feasible. **) Fees or charges for travel in the higher class are not collected from upgraded passengers: Ensuring no additional cost burden on passengers. **) Once upgraded, the original seat becomes available for RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) and other waitlisted passengers: This ensures fair access to available seats. **) Ticket upgradation is done only for confirmed passengers of general and Tatkal quotas**: This criteria ensures transparency and solidarity among passengers.Auto upgradation in IRCTC can significantly enhance the travel experience for eligible passengers by potentially upgrading their class to a higher one without any extra charges. This system not only improves seat utilization but also provides a flexible travel experience for those who are open to changing their travel class.
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