In the previous article we have seen an introduction about Indian Railways and how to book ticket. We have gone through ample of reservation procedure. Now we will look over some more info about our Railway system, various quota and necessary facts which can be useful to know about your reservation ticket.
Tourist Quota
A small number of seats are kept aside for foreign tourist who travel between popular stations. A passport and visa is mandatory to book ticket under this quota. The quota is available at fewer dedication station. Tickets need to be paid in Indian currency with the foreign exchange certificate, even the ATM receipt will suffice.
Tatkal Tickets
Tatkal is a Hindi term for immediate or urgent. Tatkal Tickets are special tickets which you can buy 24hrs before the journey by paying some extra bucks on the ticket fare. Indian Railway themselves saves a small number of seats prior to booking process for this quota. However, a charge of Rs. 10-400 is charged on each ticket.
Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC Tickets)
Sometimes while booking u might have seen all tickets as booked. Don’t worry you can still book ticket. Indian Railway offers a handful of tickets as RAC, wherein you can get a confirm seat if someone cancels ticket before journey. If in case no one cancel in place for you than you can still board the train but need to travel without a seat.
Waiting List (WL Tickets)
In case even all RAC Tickets are booked, you will get a Waiting List ticket marked as WL. This way you will get a confirmed seat/berth only when enough cancellations will occur. Likely you can get a RAC ticket to at least board a train. But waiting list ticket is considered as without ticket, if it haven’t confirmed even in RAC. Once you have booked the ticket you can check your confirmation status from IRCTC website or by SMS by entering your PNR number. In case your ticket isn’t confirmed you will get a refund on it. It is advisable to book ticket online via online transaction, as it becomes easier to get a refund of your money.
Fare Calculation
Fare is calculated on distance and class of travel. Rajdhani and Shatabdi express have slight high fare than normal one as it provides free meals in it. In most air conditioned carriage catering services are available and meals are bought at your seat. In sleeper class it is advisable to carry your dry snacks and food in case needed for hygiene purpose. Seniors citizens aged above 58years for women and 60 years for men gets 40%-50% off on the fare. Children below 6 years travel for free, and those between 6-12 years travel for half Fare only up to 300km.