A Delhi Consumer Commission has directed Northern Railway to pay ₹25,000 as compensation to a passenger who was forced to share a blanket and pillow with a stranger while travelling on a Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) ticket in an AC coach. The Commission held that the Railways failed to provide the promised services despite charging the passenger the full fare, amounting to a deficiency in service.

The ruling reinforces the rights of railway passengers to receive all facilities included in their ticket fare.

What Was The Case?

The passenger was travelling on an RAC ticket in an air-conditioned coach, where two passengers temporarily share a single berth until a full berth becomes available.

According to the complaint, only one blanket and one pillow were provided for both passengers sharing the berth. The passenger argued that this caused significant inconvenience and discomfort during the journey, despite paying the applicable fare that included bedroll charges.

The matter was subsequently taken before the consumer commission.

Consumer Commission’s Observations

The Commission observed that passengers cannot be denied facilities that are included in the fare simply because they are travelling on an RAC ticket.

It noted that Indian Railways charges RAC passengers the applicable fare for AC travel, including bedroll charges. Therefore, every passenger is entitled to receive individual bedding and other amenities promised under the ticket conditions.

The Commission concluded that providing only one blanket and pillow to two un passengers amounted to a clear deficiency in service.

Railways Directed To Pay Compensation

After examining the case, the Commission directed Northern Railway to pay ₹25,000 as compensation to the passenger.

The order also serves as a reminder that public service providers must honour the services for which passengers have paid, irrespective of seat allocation under the RAC system.

What Are RAC Passengers Entitled To?

RAC passengers receive a confirmed right to travel but initially share a berth with another RAC passenger until vacant berths become available.

Railway Board guidelines state that passengers travelling on RAC tickets in AC classes are entitled to individual bedroll kits, including bedsheets, blankets and pillows, as bedroll charges are already included in the ticket fare.

The Commission’s decision reinforces these guidelines and emphasises that passengers should not be asked to share essential bedding items with strangers.

A Significant Consumer Rights Ruling

The judgment highlights that passengers have the right to seek compensation if services promised under their ticket are not provided.

It also underscores the growing role of consumer courts in holding public authorities accountable for service deficiencies, encouraging better compliance with passenger service standards across Indian Railways.

Summary

A Delhi Consumer Commission has ordered Northern Railway to pay ₹25,000 to an RAC passenger who was made to share a blanket and pillow with a stranger during an AC train journey. The Commission ruled that since bedroll charges are included in the fare, every RAC passenger is entitled to individual bedding, and denying this amounts to a deficiency in service.