Parliamentary Committee Mandates Partial Fare Refunds for RAC Passengers Denied Full Berths

A parliamentary committee has issued a directive requiring Indian Railways to implement partial fare refunds for passengers holding Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) tickets who are ultimately denied full berth accommodations. This recommendation, aimed at enhancing passenger rights and financial fairness, addresses a longstanding grievance within the rail network's ticketing system. Under current protocols, RAC ticket holders pay the full fare but are only guaranteed seating, with berth allocation contingent upon last-minute cancellations. The panel's analysis concludes that charging the complete fare for an unsecured service constitutes an inequitable practice, necessitating a proportional reimbursement for those who do not receive the promised sleeping accommodation. This move signals a formal shift toward greater consumer protection and operational transparency within the national transporter's revenue model. Implementation of such a refund mechanism would likely involve logistical adjustments to the ticketing software and revised accounting procedures. The directive underscores legislative oversight in refining public service delivery and aligning railway policies with principles of just commerce.