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Indian Railways: If your train ticket is on the waitlist or RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation), there is no need to worry anymore. You can easily check which seats are vacant on the train using your mobile phone. Here’s how.

Train Ticket Update: Securing a confirmed train ticket these days is a difficult task. Consequently, people often book tickets two or three months in advance to ensure confirmation. However, despite this, tickets sometimes end up in RAC or the waitlist instead of being confirmed. If you are traveling and need a seat, you no longer need to stress, as you can check for vacant seats online via your mobile. If you aren't aware of this railway feature, learn about it now—it could prove very useful.

Check for vacant seats via mobile

To find information about vacant seats on a train, use the IRCTC Rail Connect app; simply follow a few steps to locate available seats:

First, open the IRCTC Rail Connect app on your mobile.
Next, go to the 'Trains' option on the home screen.
Then, click on the 'Charts/Vacancy' option.
Enter the train number, date of journey, and boarding station.
After that, click on 'Get Train Chart'.
The train's current chart will open, allowing you to view the vacant seats.

How to identify a vacant seat?

Once the chart opens, you will see the complete seating details. You can identify vacant seats by their green color; vacant seats are displayed in green. Furthermore, you will also be able to see at which station a particular seat will become vacant.

How can you get a vacant seat?

If you find a vacant seat on the chart, speak immediately to the TTE (Travelling Ticket Examiner) on the train. According to the rules, the TTE can allot you a seat if one is available; however, please note that the fare charged will depend on the status of the seat provided.

How much will the fare be?

If you already hold a ticket for the train—such as an RAC or waitlisted ticket—the TTE may charge you the fare based on the class of the allotted seat or for the remainder of the journey.
On the other hand, if you are traveling in a Sleeper or AC coach without a ticket or with only a General ticket, the TTE may charge you both the fare and a penalty.

If you are traveling without a reserved seat and a seat becomes available on the train, you can approach the TTE. The TTE can charge the fare from the point of boarding (or the station where the seat becomes available) to your destination, and a penalty may also be levied.