Indian railways: In India, the common people are suffering a lot due to the extreme heat. Instead of the temperature dropping, it keeps rising. In such a situation, if one has to travel in the Sleeper Class of a train, the discomfort is endless. But what if I told you that the Railways is giving you a chance to travel in AC with a sleeper class ticket? You might find it hard to believe, but it’s absolutely true! If you meet specific criteria, you can take advantage of this railway service. This feature is truly a welcome relief for train travelers enduring the intense heat.
Currently, it’s wedding season. Summer vacations are also in full swing, making it an ideal time for many to begin their travels. However, the issue arises when you can’t secure an AC class train ticket. Especially during the summer, AC class tickets tend to sell out quickly, and traveling with family in sleeper class can be quite challenging. The pressing question is whether you can obtain AC seats with a sleeper class ticket. Railway officials have mentioned some favorable rules regarding this.
You can travel in AC as long as
A railway official clarified that even with a sleeper class ticket, you can still travel in AC. You can discuss this with the TTE, but an AC seat will only be offered if there are available seats. If there are vacant seats in the AC coach, the TTE can upgrade your ticket, and after paying the fare difference, you may be able to travel from sleeper class to AC. However, if the AC coach is fully booked, you won’t be able to upgrade your ticket. For instance, if the sleeper class fare is Rs 400 and the AC fare is Rs 1,200, you would need to pay the difference of Rs 800 to upgrade your ticket.
What happens if you board without asking?
A railway official explained that even though the TTE may upgrade your ticket and allow you to board an AC coach, anyone who boards an AC coach without asking can face strict action. In such a case, the TTE will not only charge the passenger the difference in fare but may also impose a fine. However, if the passenger provides a valid reason for boarding the coach, they may be sent back to a sleeper coach at the next station instead of being fined.
What does the Railway rule say?
Indian Railway rules clearly state that passengers must travel in the coach corresponding to their ticket class. You must remain in your coach until the TTE upgrades your ticket. You may move from your coach to AC only after the TTE charges you the fare between sleeper and AC and upgrades your ticket. Under Railway rules, doing so without the TTE’s permission can result in a penalty along with the additional fare being charged.
