Understanding RAC 9 in Train Booking: Your Chances of Confirmation

Have you ever booked a train ticket a month before only to find it's marked as RAC 9? Don't worry, we#39;ll guide you through the process and help you understand your chances of confirming your RAC ticket.

What Does RAC 9 Mean?

RAC stands for Reservation Against Cancellation, indicating that you have a seat but not a confirmed berth. The digit 9 specifically means that 8 passengers are ahead of you in the queue waiting for their ticket to be confirmed. It's worth noting that RAC tickets can sometimes get confirmed, especially if there are cancellations.

Factors Affecting Confirmation Chances

Several factors can influence whether your RAC ticket will be confirmed:

Train Popularity: Popular train routes often have higher demand and thus lower chances of confirmation. Time of Travel: Traveling during peak seasons or holidays may decrease the likelihood of ticket confirmation. Cancellation Rates: Historically, if there are many cancellations on that route, your chances of confirmation improve. Train Class: Different classes have varying cancellation rates. For example, sleeper class may see more cancellations than AC class.

General Chances of Confirmation

In general, RAC tickets can often get confirmed, especially if you are closer to the travel date and there are cancellations. It's recommended to keep checking your ticket status on the Indian Railways website or app for the most accurate information.

Chance of Confirmation for Specific Routes

For specific routes, the chances of confirmation can vary. Typically, around 10-15 cancellations occur before the 48-hour mark of the scheduled departure, increasing your chances of confirmation. For example, for the Garbha Express (Train number 12937) running between Gandhidham Junction and Howrah Junction:

Chart Preparation Times: For passengers from Chhayapuri, Ratlam Jn, or Kota Jn, the chart will be prepared on 4th March 2023, 8:00 PM. For passengers from Agra Fort, Tundla Jn, Kanpur Central, or Prayagraj Jn, the chart will be prepared on 5th March 2023, 8:00 AM.

After the chart preparation, you will receive a confirmation SMS from IRCTC regarding your ticket confirmation and seat allotment. Therefore, it's advisable to keep checking your PNR status regularly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, your chances of confirming an RAC 9 ticket depend on the route, cancellation rates, and your proximity to the travel date. By keeping an eye on your ticket status, you can maximize your chances of securing a confirmed berth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What does RAC mean in train booking?

RAC stands for Reservation Against Cancellation. It means that you have a seat on the train but not a confirmed berth.

Q2: How many passengers are ahead of me if my ticket is RAC 9?

With a ticket status of RAC 9, there are 8 passengers ahead of you in the queue.

Q3: What should I do if my ticket is RAC 9?

After the chart preparation, you will receive a confirmation SMS from IRCTC. Keep checking your PNR status regularly to track your ticket confirmation.

References

Image courtesy: Google.

Additional Resources

For more information, you can visit the official Indian Railways website.