Big announcement of Railways: RAC system ended from Vande Bharat trains, now you will get full seat! Know the new fare list of 2026

New Delhi: Indian Railways has announced a revolutionary change in the reservation and fare rules for its new generation trains in 2026. According to the latest reports in Business Standard and Economic Times, the Railways aims to provide world-class amenities and ‘hassle-free’ journey to passengers in modern trains like Vande Bharat Sleeper and Amrit Bharat II. The biggest change is the abolition of RAC system, due to which now no passenger will have to travel on half the seat.

RAC hassle is over, now you will get full seat!

Indian Railways has taken a historic decision to completely abolish the RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) system in premium trains like Vande Bharat Sleeper and Amrit Bharat II.

• New rule: Now in these trains, two passengers will not have to travel sitting together on the side lower seat.
• Benefit to passengers: Now passengers will either be given a completely ‘confirmed berth’ or their ticket will be kept directly in the waiting list. This decision will reduce overcrowding in sleeper coaches and make the journey more comfortable.

Big change in sleeper coach fares (new list of 2026)

Railways has also prepared a new fare structure for these modern trains, which will be based on the principle of ‘Minimum Distance’.

new fare of vande bharat sleeper

The minimum fare for Vande Bharat sleeper trains has been fixed on the basis of journey of 400 kilometres.

• Third AC (3AC): ₹2.4 per kilometer (minimum fare around ₹960).
• Second AC (2AC): ₹3.1 per kilometer (minimum fare around ₹1,240).
• First AC (1AC): ₹3.8 per kilometer (minimum fare around ₹1,520).

Amrit Bharat II Train Rules

The fare in this train made for common passengers has been kept affordable, but the minimum distance rules are strict:

• Sleeper Class: It will be mandatory for passengers to pay a minimum fare of 200 kilometers (approximately ₹149), even if they travel short distances.
• General Coach: Minimum distance fare of 50 kms (approximately ₹36) will be applicable.

Quotas and other changes

• Priority for senior citizens: Men above 60 years of age and women above 45 years of age will continue to be given priority in ‘Lower Berth’ through auto-allotment system during ticket booking.
• Catering charges: Catering charges will be optional in Vande Bharat Sleeper, but passengers will have to choose whether they want to have food or not at the time of booking the ticket.

Passengers can use the official website of IRCTC or the portal of Indian Railways to plan their journey and get detailed fare information.