Indian Railways has rolled out a major overhaul of booking and fare rules for its latest Amrit Bharat Express services, introducing changes that will directly impact how passengers reserve tickets and how much they pay from January 2026.
Under the new system, the popular Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) facility has been removed in the sleeper class. This means passengers will no longer get partially confirmed tickets. Instead, bookings will be either fully confirmed or placed on the waiting list right from the start, offering greater clarity but reducing the chance of travelling on an RAC ticket during peak seasons.
Another significant change is the introduction of minimum chargeable distances. Sleeper class tickets will now be priced for a minimum of 200 km, even if the actual journey is shorter, with base fares starting at ₹149. For second class (unreserved), a minimum fare will apply for 50 km, starting from ₹36. Reservation fees and other applicable surcharges will continue as per existing rules.
For travellers, the revised norms promise a simpler and more transparent booking experience, with no uncertainty over seat upgrades. However, short-distance commuters may see a slight increase in fares due to the minimum charge policy, while long-distance passengers stand to benefit from a more predictable and upgraded non-AC travel option.
As Indian Railways expands both budget and premium services, the Amrit Bharat Express is positioning itself as a modern, no-frills middle-ground option with clear pricing and streamlined reservations.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)
