Waiting list system itself is a fraud. I will explain the modus operandi here:
IR permits 300 tickets to be booked under waiting list for sleeper class for non-tatkal quota if the train has 10 sleeper coaches of non-tatkal quota. IR does not permit waitlisted passengers to enter sleeper coaches but permits RAC passengers to enter sleeper coaches. IR does not display the 'rule information board about waitlisted tickets' at reservation counters. If such board is displayed, no one will purchase waitlisted tickets. IR displays that information on chart. Most of the people do not read charts inserted on coaches. The train halts two minutes in station and passengers hurry in boarding the train and do not think about reading the chart. When TTE asks the waitlisted passenger to pay penality, then argument happens between TTE and the passenger but the passenger cannot understand why waitlisted passengers are not allowed to board sleeper coaches. While the maximum waitlist permit is 300, it is not possible to allow 300 waitlisted passengers in 10 coaches. If IR is not able to provide accomodation to waitlisted passengers, then waiting list system should be abolished. IR should not cheat passengers by issuing waitlisted tickets.
I became aware about this fraudulent system while traveling from Visakhapatnam to Rayagada. I traveled from Visakhapatnam to Rayagada with confirmed ticket. IR didn't display any board in station or reservation counter containing information that "Non-confirmed waitlisted tickets are not valid". They displayed the information at bottom of the charts that are not read by many. Long distance trains halt for 20 minutes at Visakhapatnam station. So, I was able to read the chart. If a private business firm cheats it's customers, we can file case in consumers' court. If the government cheats people, then to whom should we complain?
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