Indian Railways’ IRCTC service allows you to book an entire train or some coaches, which is called Full Tariff Rate (FTR). This service is a huge hit for weddings, pilgrimages, family tours, or corporate events. You can book an entire train with 18-24 coaches or even 1-2 coaches on a train. So, if you are also planning to travel in a big group and want your seats to be confirmed, then IRCTC’s FTR service can prove to be amazing for you. Know its booking process, cost, and important rules.
Booking through IRCTC FTR
Booking through IRCTC’s FTR service can be done in two ways: online and offline. For online booking, register on the IRCTC FTR website, verify with OTP. Then click on ‘Book Now’ and fill in the travel details like date, station, type of coach/train, and number of passengers. Deposit a security deposit of ₹50,000 per coach online.
On approval, submit the list of passengers along with the rest of the tariff and GST. Confirmation will be sent via SMS or email! For offline booking, meet the Chief Reservation Supervisor at the nearest railway station, fill up the form, submit the deposit, and make the full payment after approval. This service can prove to be a boon for large groups.
Important rules for FTR booking
There are certain rules to be followed while booking FTR. Coaches can be added/removed only at stations where the train halts for more than 10 minutes. A minimum of 18 coaches and a maximum of 24 coaches can be booked for the entire train, including 2 SLRs or generator cars. Pilgrimage or tourist trips should cover at least two stations.
All passengers must have a valid ID like an Aadhaar or passport. Security deposit is refundable in case of booking cancellation, but 10% of the fare may be deducted. This process requires planning 30 days to 6 months in advance. So, if you are thinking of FTR booking, plan your journey soon.
Know how much burden it will have on your pocket
The cost of FTR booking depends on the type of coach and distance. For example, the tariff for a train with 18 coaches (AC 2A, SL mix) for a journey of 1000 km can be up to ₹10-15 lakh. This includes GST, security deposit (₹50,000/coach), and service charge.
Booking the entire train is more expensive, but confirmed seats are guaranteed for weddings or large groups. You can book up to 2 coaches in a single train, which is a cheaper option for small groups. Some users may find this process a bit complicated and expensive, but for large groups, it is a convenient and reliable option.