New Delhi – Indian Railways has introduced a significant change to its auto-upgrade policy concerning waitlisted passengers. According to the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), passengers holding Sleeper Class tickets will no longer be automatically upgraded to First AC, even if berths in the higher class are vacant.
Previously, passengers with waitlisted tickets were eligible for automatic upgrades to a higher class if seats were available at the time of final chart preparation. This often meant that a Sleeper Class ticket could be upgraded to First AC, Second AC, or Third AC based on availability. However, under the revised rule, upgrades to First AC from Sleeper Class have now been specifically excluded.
Streamlining Seat Allocation and Managing Crowds
Railway officials say the change is aimed at improving the management of reserved coach occupancy and maintaining balance across various travel classes. By restricting automatic upgrades to the First AC tier, Indian Railways hopes to prevent overcrowding in premium coaches and ensure a more systematic approach to seat allotment.
The Center for Railway Information Systems (CRIS), which manages the technology infrastructure for Indian Railways, is currently updating its software systems to reflect the policy change.
Policy Change to Impact Select Routes and Passengers
While the majority of automatic upgrades typically move passengers from Sleeper to Third AC or from Third AC to Second AC, a limited number of Sleeper Class travelers had previously received unexpected upgrades to First AC when availability allowed. This new rule will remove that possibility, ensuring First AC berths remain reserved for passengers who book them directly.
The updated policy is part of a broader effort by Indian Railways to enhance the passenger experience and bring more consistency to the ticketing process.
Passengers are advised to check the latest booking policies on the IRCTC website or app before planning their journey.
