Indian Railways: Good news for railway passengers. The Railway Board has mandated that passengers holding RAC tickets in AC coaches receive a full bedroll kit. This decision comes after numerous complaints from travelers. The Board has issued firm instructions to ensure that every passenger with RAC tickets in AC class (excluding AC chair car) is provided with a complete bedroll kit, similar to what confirmed passengers receive.
The Railway Board’s communication to all zonal railway general managers (GMs), including those in Eastern Railway, clearly indicated that there have been frequent complaints about RAC passengers not receiving bedrolls or receiving incomplete sets. Taking these concerns seriously, the Railway Board has reiterated its previous orders and instructed them to ensure strict adherence.
No discrimination; every RAC passenger is entitled to this.
In a letter from Luv Shukla, Director of Environment and Housekeeping Management at the Railway Board, it was clarified that:
Contents of the kit: Each RAC passenger in AC coaches will receive a complete bedroll set, which includes a bedsheet, blanket, pillow, and towel.
Equal rights: RAC passengers will not face discrimination regarding amenities. They are entitled to the same facilities as other valid passengers.
Instructions to IRCTC: The Board has instructed relevant Railway officials, employees, and all associated departments, including IRCTC, to ensure immediate compliance with this order.
Reminders of old orders
The Director also reminded all zonal railways of previous circulars issued on December 18, 2023, December 12, 2017, and November 16, 2016, which clearly stated the provision of bedrolls to RAC passengers. The implementation of this new order will provide convenience to millions of RAC passengers traveling in AC coaches, eliminating the need to repeatedly complain about bedrolls.
The Railway Board has directed all zonal railways to immediately disseminate this order to the concerned officials and employees and ensure its strict compliance. Relevant departments, including IRCTC, have also been directed to take necessary action in this regard. Implementation of this order will provide relief to millions of passengers traveling on RAC tickets in AC coaches across the country. They will no longer need to complain about bedroll and will be able to access the same amenities as other passengers during their travel.