Waiting list tickets are common when travelling in the Indian Railways. But many people do not know the rules for traveling with a waiting list ticket in AC coaches. In this post, we will explain in simple words how you can travel with a waiting list ticket in AC coaches and what the Indian Railways rules say about it.
Online and offline tickets
Rules are different for online and offline tickets.
Online AC Ticket: If you buy an AC ticket online and it is still waiting after the chart is ready, the ticket will be cancelled. The money will be returned to your account.
Offline Counter Ticket: If you buy a non-AC or sleeper ticket from the counter and it is still waiting, you can travel. But rules are a little different for AC coaches.
Travelling with a waiting ticket in the AC coach
You can board the train with a waiting ticket from the counter. What happens next depends on the seat:
- If a seat is empty: The Ticket Checker (TC) can confirm your ticket and give you the seat.
- If no seat is empty: You cannot sleep on the floor in an AC coach.
- TC’s decision: TC may send you to a sleeper coach or general compartment. You cannot be removed if your ticket is valid.
Wrong ideas
Some people think they can sleep on the floor in AC coach like a sleeper coach. This is wrong. Indian Railways does not allow this. This keeps AC coaches clean and safe.
This guide will help you travel safely in AC coach with a waiting ticket.