As per update on Free Sleeper Class Upgrade to AC 2s Chair Car coverage on HelloRail Indian Railway set to benefit millions of railway passengers, the Indian Railways has expanded its ticket upgrade facility, allowing passengers with Sleeper class tickets to be automatically upgraded to Second AC if seats are available. A similar provision has also been implemented for Second Seating (2S) to AC Chair Car upgrades.
Facility Expansion Announced by Railway Board
The decision was communicated by Railway Board Director (Passenger Marketing), Sanjay Manocha, through an official letter to all zonal railways on May 13. The letter outlined updates to the ticket upgradation system and instructed regional offices to implement the changes with immediate effect.
Under the revised rules, passengers holding 2S class (Second Seating) tickets can now also be upgraded to AC Chair Car if seats remain vacant. Previously, Sleeper class tickets could only be upgraded to Third AC (3A). With the new system in place, upgrades to Second AC (2A) will also be possible depending on seat availability.
Mandatory: Select Auto-Upgrade Option While Booking
Passengers who want to benefit from the automatic upgrade facility must select the “Auto Upgrade” option while booking their tickets via the IRCTC website. If this option is not selected at the time of booking, passengers will not be considered for automatic class upgrades.
In case a ticket is upgraded and the passenger later cancels it, the refund will be based on the original class fare, not the upgraded class.
More Flexibility for Passengers
The upgraded policy is expected to improve travel comfort without additional charges, provided higher-class seats remain unbooked. This move comes as a welcome relief for budget travellers, especially during peak seasons when higher-class seats often remain vacant due to cost constraints.
