New Delhi: Indian Railways is continuously taking new steps to provide more convenient, transparent and comfortable travel to the passengers. In this sequence, the Railway Board has made some important changes for the new Amrit Bharat Express trains (Amrit Bharat II Class) starting from January 2026. These rules are quite different from the already running Amrit Bharat trains and promise more convenience as well as better management for passengers.

Travel only on confirmed tickets, RAC is now history!

Now RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) system has been completely abolished in the new Amrit Bharat Express trains. That means only passengers with confirmed tickets will be able to travel in the reserve coaches of these trains. There will be no seat or space allotted on a RAC ticket – neither for sitting, nor for sleeping. However, the old rules will remain intact in the general coach.

Apart from this, now only three special quotas will be available in reservation. This includes women quota, senior citizen quota, disabled quota. Apart from these, booking will not be done under any other special quota.

Minimum fare mandatory even for short distances

Railways has also changed the fare structure to ensure reasonable revenue even on short distance journeys.

– The minimum distance fare in sleeper class will be 200 km. Its fare is only Rs 149. For example, if you travel 100 km or less, you will still have to pay the full fare for 200 km.

– The minimum distance covered in General Class has been fixed at 50 km, the fare for which is Rs 36. This means that even for a journey of 10 km or 20 km, you will have to pay a fare of Rs 50 km.

These rules will encourage passengers to travel long distances as well as ensure better utilization of trains.

These changes are a big step towards making Indian Railways more reliable, punctual and passenger-friendly. Passengers traveling in the new Amrit Bharat Express from January 2026 will now get a great travel experience only with confirmed tickets!