Traveling with a large group in India can be quite challenging, especially when you want everyone to stay together. Whether you’re planning a wedding celebration, corporate retreat, or pilgrimage trip, getting confirmed seats for your entire group on the same train can feel impossible. But here is some great news. The Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has a special solution that lets you charter an entire train or coach through their Full Tariff Rate (FTR) Service.
What Is IRCTC FTR Service?
The Full Tariff Rate Service is an IRCTC special booking system that allows you to reserve entire coaches or trains for your group. This service ensures your entire party travels together without worrying about scattered seating and waitlisted tickets.
Three Types Of Charter Services Are Available
- Railway Coach Charter: Book one complete coach with seating capacity, accommodating from 18 to 100 passengers. It is perfect for medium-sized groups that want to travel together comfortably.
- Train Charter: For larger groups, you can reserve an entire train with a minimum of 18 coaches and a maximum of 60 coaches. Remember, your booking must include two SLRs (Second Luggage cum Brake Van) or generator cars as part of the total count.
- Saloon Charter: This is the most luxurious option with living amenities. It is for VIP travel or special occasions, where comfort and privacy are priorities.
Important Booking Timeline
The booking window opens exactly 6 months before your intended travel date. However, you must complete your booking at least 30 days before departure. This timeline gives you plenty of time to plan while ensuring the railway authorities have sufficient notice to chart.
Since you have a specific timeframe, it’s smart to start planning your trip well in advance. Consider factors like peak travel seasons and festival dates on your routes.
Amount Required To Book An Entire Train Or Coach
You need to pay ₹50,000 per coach as registration money or a security deposit. This deposit for your booking shows your commitment to the charter service.
Beyond the security deposit, you will also need to pay the full fare for all passengers. The total cost depends on your chosen route, class of travel, and number of coaches.
How To Book An Entire Coach Or Train Online?
- Registration: Visit the IRCTC FTR portal at www.ftr.irctc.co.in and create your account. You will need to verify your mobile number through OTP.
- Select Your Service: Choose from the three charter options: coach, train, or saloon, based on your group size and requirements.
- Provide Journey Details: Fill in your complete travel information, including origin station, destination, travel date, preferred time, and the number and type of coaches you need.
- Documents: Prepare and upload your passenger list along with the required identity documents for all travelers.
- Complete the Payment of your security deposit through the online portal.
How To Book An Entire Train Offline?
Offline Booking at the Railway Station: If you prefer in-person booking or face any online difficulties, you can visit your nearest railway station. Approach the Chief Reservation Officer or Station Manager at the station where your chosen train originates or has a scheduled stop of at least 10 minutes.
Required Documentation for IRCTC FTR Service:
- Completed application forms
- Travel details for your entire group
- Identity proof for all passengers
- Security deposit plus fare payment
Perfect Occasions For Chartered Service
Indian weddings often involve large families traveling together. Charter services ensure everyone reaches the destination together, making the celebration more joyful and coordinated.
A company organizing employee outings, conferences, or team-building activities can benefit from keeping the entire team together during travel.
Religious group travels become more meaningful when the entire community travels together, prays together, and shares experiences throughout the journey.
Booking an entire train or coach through the IRCTC’s FTR Service transforms group travel from a stressful experience into a comfortable journey. Whether you choose online booking through the FTR portal or prefer the personal touch of station booking, this service ensures your entire group travels together safely and comfortably. With planning and timely booking, you can turn your group travel dream into reality.
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