Patna: The Railway Board has directed all Zonal Railways to ensure that passengers travelling on Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) tickets in AC coaches receive a complete bedroll kit, bringing them on par with other passengers in the same class. The directive applies to all AC classes except AC Chair Car.
The order, issued on Tuesday, has been sent to the General Managers of all Zonal Railways, including East Central Railway. The Board said it had been receiving repeated complaints through various channels about RAC passengers either not being provided bedrolls or receiving incomplete kits.
Full Bedroll Kit Mandatory
In its communication, the Railway Board reiterated that every RAC passenger travelling in AC classes, excluding AC Chair Car, must be provided a complete bedroll kit comprising the standard items supplied to other passengers, including bedsheets, a blanket and a pillow.
The Board said there should be no discrimination in providing these facilities, and RAC passengers holding valid tickets must receive the same onboard amenities as other passengers.
Directions to Railways and IRCTC
The Railway Board has instructed all Zonal Railways to immediately circulate the directive among the concerned officials and onboard staff and ensure strict compliance.
Necessary instructions have also been issued to relevant departments, including the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), which manages onboard bedroll services on many trains.
Relief for RAC Passengers
The directive is expected to benefit lakhs of passengers who travel on RAC tickets in AC coaches across the country.
With the renewed enforcement of the rule, RAC passengers should no longer face difficulties in obtaining bedrolls during their journey and will be entitled to the same facilities provided to other valid passengers in eligible AC classes.
