Key Points:
- Indian Railways now offers free direct upgrades from Sleeper Class to Second AC (2AC) on 300 trains in Bhopal Division.
- More than 7,000 reserved tickets expected to be upgraded daily, enhancing comfort for long-distance travelers.
- The automated process uses the Passenger Reservation System (PRS) during chart preparation.
- Only full fare-paying passengers are eligible; concessional ticket holders are excluded.
- Upgrades depend on seat availability and require a minimum of six vacant seats in the higher class.
- Cancellation fees remain based on the original Sleeper fare, not the upgraded class.
New Delhi: In a significant move to boost passenger comfort and optimize vacant berths, Indian Railways has revamped its auto upgradation scheme. Sleeper class passengers can now be automatically upgraded to Second AC (2AC) for free a major enhancement over the earlier system, which only allowed upgrades to Third AC (3AC).
Rollout Across 300 Trains, Over 7,000 Upgrades Daily
The new scheme is being implemented across 300 Mail/Express and Superfast trains in the Bhopal Division of West Central Railway. Officials estimate that more than 7,000 reserved tickets will be upgraded every day, especially on high-demand routes like Bhopal to Delhi and Mumbai. This promises a more luxurious travel experience for thousands without any additional cost.
How the New Auto Upgradation Scheme Works
- Automated Charting: The Passenger Reservation System (PRS) handles the entire upgrade process automatically during chart preparation. Passengers must select the ‘Consider for Auto Upgradation’ option while booking; if they do not opt in or out, the system defaults to ‘Yes’.
- Eligibility: Only passengers who have paid the full fare are eligible. Those with concessions (senior citizens, pass holders, etc.) are not considered for upgradation.
- Seat Availability: Upgrades occur only if there are at least six vacant berths in the higher class. If there aren’t enough seats for all eligible passengers in a group, none will be upgraded.
- No Manual Intervention: Train conductors and Travelling Ticket Examiners (TTEs) have no role in the upgrade process; it is fully automated.
- Cancellation Policy: If an upgraded ticket is cancelled, the cancellation fee is charged as per the original Sleeper class fare, not the upgraded class.
- Integration with VIKALP: The scheme works alongside the VIKALP program, which offers confirmed seats to waitlisted passengers on alternate trains.
Enhanced Comfort, No Extra Cost
Passengers benefiting from this scheme will enjoy air-conditioned coaches, improved bedding, greater privacy, and cleaner amenities all without any fare hike. This is particularly valuable for long-distance journeys where Sleeper class coaches are often overcrowded and upper-class berths remain vacant.
Addressing Passenger Concerns
While the initiative has received widespread praise on social media, some users expressed concerns about Sleeper class seat availability. Railway officials have clarified that Sleeper class quotas will remain unaffected, as upgrades are strictly based on available upper-class seats and do not reduce the number of Sleeper berths for other passengers.
Why This Matters
This upgrade not only elevates passenger comfort but also helps Indian Railways maximize occupancy and revenue by utilizing vacant premium berths. The move is expected to set a new benchmark for passenger experience, especially in the Bhopal Division, and could be expanded to other regions if successful.
Indian Railways’ new auto upgradation scheme is a win-win for both travelers and the railways offering free, automated upgrades to 2AC for Sleeper class passengers, improving journey comfort, and ensuring better utilization of premium seats.
