IRCTC FTR Rules – FTR Coach Booking
IRCTC FTR ( FULL TARIFF RATE) SERVICE REGISTRATION
TERMS & CONDITIONS FOR FULL TARIFF RATE(FTR) REGISTRATION
1. Pilot for WR: Online booking of FTR is on pilot basis and currently booking is allowed for journey starting from stations of Western Railway only.
2. Booking Process: FTR registration can be done either on IRCTC website- ftr.irctc.co.in or on UTS counter of journey commencing station.
3. Booking period: FTR registration can be done maximum 6 months in advance and minimum 30 days prior to journey date.
4. Payment realization:
Registration on IRCTC website: Party will provide the booking type, journey details of coaches, and route. After submission of the request, party will get a reference number and registration amount to be paid. Party has to pay the registration amount against provided reference number to get FTR number. Payment of registration amount must be received within 6 days (including FTR request submit day). After 6 days, FTR Reference Number will be flushed and party has to follow the above mentioned process again to book a FTR coach/train.
Registrations on UTS counter: Party will go to CBS (Chief Booking Supervisor)/Station Master (SM) of journey commencing station and provide written request containing journey details for FTR booking. CBS will feed these details in FTR system. CBS will provide a system generated slip to the party. This slip will contain the reference number and registration amount payable by party. Party will go to UTS counter and will deposit the registration money against the reference number. After confirmation of payment, printed money receipt will be provided to party with a unique FTR number printed on it. Party will go to CBS with this FTR number. At CBS counter, party can request and get a printout of his request details by providing the FTR number.
5. Refund process: In case of cancellation, either by party or by railway, refund will be processed as per existing manual process through Chief Commercial Manager (PM).
6. Permissible number of coaches:
Coach Booking: Party can book maximum 10 numbers of coaches on FTR in a train in one tour programme.
Train Booking: Party can book maximum 24 coaches in FTR train including 2 SLR. 2 SLR coaches are mandatory.
7. Registration Amount:
Coach Booking: Registration amount for booking of a coach up to 7 days of tour journey period is Rs.50,000/- per coach. Beyond 7 days of tour journey period, additional Rs.10,000/- per day/per coach will be payable and added in registration amount.
Train Booking: Registration amount for booking of a train is amount for minimum of 18 coaches (including minimum two SLR coaches) and up to 7 days of tour journey period is Rs.900,000/-. Beyond 18 passenger coaches, additional Rs.50,000/- per coach will be added in the registration amount. For tour period beyond 7 days, additional Rs.10,000/- per day per coach will be added in registration amount. Even for booking of a train with less than 18 coaches, registration amount for 18 coaches as minimum will be charged.
The above amount may change in case of any revision by Ministry of Railways from time to time.
8. Registration of coaches/trains does not guarantee the supply of coaches/trains. This will be subject to the operational feasibility and availability of coaches.
IRCTC FTR BOOKING LINK : http://www.ftr.irctc.co.in/ftr/
COMMERCIAL CIRCULAR NO. 08 OF 2025
Booking of FTR trains/ coaches online through single window booking system by IRCTC.
In supersession of all the instructions issued on booking of special trains/coaches/saloons etc., on Full Tariff Rates (FTR), Ministry of Railways have decided that all the trains/ coaches/ Saloons on Full Tariff shall now be booked through single window booking system by Indian Railway Tourism and Catering Corporation (IRCTC), Henceforth any individual/party seeking to book trains/coaches on FTR shall approach IRCTC and IRCTC shall book trains/c oaches online on behalf of the individual/party.
The detailed guidelines for online booking of special trains / coaches / saloons etc., by IRCTC through single window booking system shall be as under: –
A. General Guidelines:
(i) Any individual / party/ government agency etc., wanting to book trains/ coaches/ salons etc., on Full Tariff Rates shall approach IRCTC (Regional/headquarter office, through mail, telephone etc.,) and IRCTC shall place indent online on behalf of the individual / party for booking of special trains/ coaches on FTR.
(ii) IRCTC shall levy facilitation charge @ 5% of total fare for booking of special trains/coaches/saloons on Full Tariff Rates, on behalf of any individual / party / Government agency etc., for co-ordination work.
(iii) Priority shall be accorded for booking of special trains / coaches / saloons etc., on FTR over extra coaches to clear waitlisted passengers.
(iv) Registration of special trains /coaches / saloons etc., shall be made minimum one month in advance and not beyond six months of the date of proposed journey. Registration in the period short of one month shall require specific permission of the CPTM of the Zonal Railways on a case to case basis.
B. Registration of Indent and security deposit:
(i) Registration for booking of special trains /coaches / saloons etc. shall be made online by IRCTC on behalf of an individual / party /government agency etc. No manual booking / through UTS shall be permitted.
(ii) Security cum registration deposit shall be taken as revolving security deposit uniformly for both booking of coaches and rakes. Revolving Security and registration deposit may be in the form of e- wallet / RDS system (Zonal Railway wise), from which deduction may be made by Railways for the purpose of countermanding charges, other dues pending if any etc., Revolving Security Deposit may be minimum 5 lakh in e-wallet / RDS account of each zonal Railway). Booking shall not be permitted if the revolving deposit falls below Rs. 5 lakh. Maximum limit for collection of security deposit by IRCTC from Individual/party/Govt. agency etc., shall be Rs. 50,000 per coach. However, election specials shall continue to be booked by IRCTC on behalf of Ministry of Home Affairs as per existing instruction no. TC-II/2003 /2014 / Policy-election (CAPF) dated 17.11.2017.
(iii) On confirmation of indent by operating branch, IRCTC shall deposit the fare payable at the Zonal Railway headquarter of the journey originating station.
(iv) All the co-ordination work like registration of the indent, obtaining confirmation from Railways, deposit of fares, submission of the folder / receipts after completion of journey, cancellation of indent etc., shall be arranged by IRCTC.
(v) IRCTC will provide a single window facility for FTR facility including notified contact number for redressal of complaints and grievances
C. Fare:
(i) Minimum distance for charging: The minimum distance for charging for- special trains / coaches/ saloon etc., shall be 500 kms for outward and return journey separately. In case of hill stations, minimum distance for charge shall be the chargeable distance (inflated) of the whole section subject to minimum distance of 200 kms and minimum composition of special, trains. However, minimum distance for charge for special coaches attached to fully air conditioned higher category of trains like Rajdhani / Shatabdi / Tejas etc. shall be from end to end subject to restriction / condition imposed by Railways.
(ii) Minimum composition: Minimum composition shall be of 18 coaches. However, for the hill sections, the minimum number of coaches will be the maximum permissible load for the concerned section. The charging shall be done for not less than aforesaid composition. For example if the composition is 16 coaches, charges shall be realised for 18 coaches. However, if the composition is of 20 coaches, charges shall be realised for 20 coaches.
The number of coaches falling short of minimum composition shall be charged at fares for second class (unreserved) coach for Mail/Express train. For example, if only 16 coaches in the special train are run, fares for second class (unreserved) for Mail/Express shall be charged for 2 coaches falling short of composition. While calculating the fare only base fare for the coaches falling, short in the minimum composition shall be chargeable. Any other charges like service charge, empty haulage charge, detention charge, superfast charge etc. shall not be charged.
(iii) The fare shall be computed point to point in full for adult in Mail/Express/higher category of trains as the case may be (not local passenger fare) of the concerned class on round trip basis, which means that the fare shall be levied in the return direction upto the point from where the train originates. The fare shall be levied for the actual class, of the coach subject to minimum fares for : second class (unreserved) of Mail / Express trains.
If extra passengers are carried, charges are levied on pro-rata basis per additional passengers declared before or at the time of ¦ commencement of journey-at the starting station. Extra passenger carried without payment at the starting station would be charged pro-rata with penalty charges as per existing rule.
(iv) Service charge: A service charge of 30% shall be levied only on the base fare.
(v) Other charges: Superfast Surcharge, GST, Mela Surcharge etc. as applicable shall be levied separately. However, reservation charge shall not be levied separately.
(vi) Empty haulage charge: Empty haulage charge shall be levied @ (basic fare reservation charge) for the carrying capacity of coaches for the actual empty haulage of rakes/coaches or minimum haulage haulage for 200 kms., whichever is higher.
Ideally efforts shall be made for providing coaches/trains on FTR from nearby locations within 200 kms limit. If the coaches/trains have to be hauled empty for FTR purpose for more than 200 kms, the same may be booked as special coach/train by IRCTC through their system. This shall be done in exceptional circumstances only. Advance planning of atleast 10 days and adequate .promotion should be done by IRCTC in such cases to ensure high occupancy and additional earning for Railways.
(vii) Dining Car/ Kitchen/ Pan try Car/ Generator Car: Dining Cars/ Kitchen Car/ Pantry Car / Generator Car will be charged @ Rs. 85 per car per kilometre uniformly for BG, MG and NG, In addition : Sleeper fare and service charge of 30% for marked carrying capacity of the car or actual number of passengers travelling in car whichever is- higher shall be collected.
(viii) Charges for SLR & Luggage Van: SLR coach will be charged at carrying capacity of the sleeper class coach with sleeper class fare. However, the utilisation of luggage portion to the extent of carrying capacity of SLR coach shall be allowed without levy of any extra charge.
(ix) Detention charge: Detention charge shall be levied for detention of special trains / coaches at the request of the party at the journey commencing station, intermediate or destination stations. Detention charge shall be levied @ Rs; 900/per hour or part of an hour per coach uniformly for BG, MG and NG system subject to a minimum charge of Rs. 1500/-per coach, without giving’any free time.
(x) Engine detention charge: For keeping the engine in steam or detention to Diesel / Electric Locomotives of special trains engine detention charge shall be levied. These charges shall be applicable as notified vide Board’s letter no. F(C)/2003/27/1 dated 22/08/2017 from time to time.
(xi) As an exemption for the purpose of calculating point to point charges and detention charges for special trains, special free halts. For entraining/detraining- of passengers, collection of water / eatablesj etc., at enroute station / stations shall be provided. The number of special free halt permitted shall be maximum of 2(two) in each- block for 1000 kms journey or part thereof. Each halt shall be for a maximum duration of 20 minutes only. These free halts and the Railways operational halts if any shall ’not be considered for calculating to point to point charges and detention charges.
Further to above, additional halts / stoppages upto 2 minutes, shall be permitted at the rate of Rs. 25,000/- per halt/stoppage. In case Halt / Stoppage of more than 2 minutes, “Point to point charge plus applicable detention charges or Rs. 25,000’tper halt, whichever is more shall be levied. The number of such paid halts / stoppage a shall not be more than 3 (Three) in each block of 1000 kms journey or part thereof. Such halts shall be provided only on the request of IRCTC. Beyond the above halt/stoppage limit, no additional halt / stoppages shall be permitted.
D. Other guidelines:
(i) Concession: No concession shall be allowed for booking of Special trains /coaches / saloons etc. Charges shall be recovered in full even for children / students / senior citizens etc,, however, existing rules applicable for Kisan specials and industrial workers special will continue.
(ii) Payment: All . charges shall be paid in full, 48 hours in advance of the departure of the train, failing which it will be deemed that the running of special train has been countermanded, by IRCTC. Rs.50,000 per coach shall be deducted as countermanding charge from the RDS account/e-wallet of IRCTC .
(iii) Countermanding charge: If the requisition of special train/coaches is cancelled two days in advance before the scheduled day for journey or earlier, 10% of Rs. 50,000/- per coach shall be charged against IRCTC. If the cancellation is done one day in advance (excluding the day of journey) and upto four hours before the scheduled departure of the train, cancellation charge shall be 25% of the chargeable fare and if journey is cancelled within four hours before the scheduled departure of the train or afterwards, the cancellation charge will be 50% of the chargeable fare. Applicable cancellation shall be deducted from the RDS account/e-wallet of IRCTC.
(iv) Refund: After completion of tour folder/receipt in original shall be deposited by IRCTC in the Zonal Railways office within 30 days of completion of journey. Zonal office in consultation with originating station shall verify the details and in case of excess demand the required amount shall be deducted from the RDS account / e-wallet of IRCTC or in case of refund the same shall be refunded in the RDS wallet/e-wallet after completion of the journey.
(v) Identity Cards: At the time of booking, only the number of passengers shall be mentioned in the online request. The names of members of the party shall be submitted to the station master of the journey origination station before 24 hours of the departure of the train. Identity tokens shall be provided duly stamped and countersigned by Station master of the journey commencing station. Last minute change due to illness or any other exigencies Upto 10% of the total passengers shall be allowed by Station master.
(vi) Operating orders shall be issued by operating department of Zonal Railways and all fare related issue shall be dealt with by Commercial department of Zonal Railways.
(vii) Payment of fare shall be made only online through digital modes viz RTGS / NEFT/ net banking etc.
(viii) RDS/ e-wallet account of IRCTC shall be maintained by PC CM in consultation with Associate Finance of Zonal Railway.
(ix) Accountable of earnings from booking of FTR trains / coaches should be maintained by Zonal Railway and monthly report of the same should be sent to Accounts / Star Directorate of Railway Board.
(x) Rules regarding Apportionment of earnings shall be maintained.
(xi) Railways shall have the right to modify the instructions in future.
(xii) CRIS will make necessary software as per above requirement for online booking of Special trains/Coaches/Saloons etc..
This issues with the concurrence of Finance Directorate of Ministry of Railways.
Necessary instructions may be issued to all concerned immediately.
COMMERCIAL CIRCULAR NO. 36 OF 2025
Further to the instructions issued vide Board’s Commercial Circulars and letter referred to above, Ministry of Railways have further decided that, as a special case in relaxation of the Rule, instructions on booking of special trains / coaches on Full Tariff Rates (FTR) through IRCTC single window booking system shall not be applicable on the coaches /trains on FTR booked by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Defence Forces.
2. Accordingly, booking of trains / coaches on FTR by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Defence Forces shall continue to be booked as per the earlier applicable manual procedure and the terms and conditions in vogue prior to implementation of the online booking system w.e.f. 18.05.2018.
3. The above should be implemented with immediate effect.
4. Necessary instructions may be issued to all concerned immediately.
Here’s everything you need to know about the IRCTC FTR (Full Tariff Rate) Coach/Train Booking service, which allows you to charter entire coaches or full trains:
Contents
What Is IRCTC FTR?
- FTR (Full Tariff Rate) is IRCTC’s service that lets private parties or organizations book entire coaches or entire trains for special journeys such as tours, weddings, pilgrimages, etc.
Booking Overview
- Booking Window: Make bookings between 6 months to 30 days prior to your journey.
- Security Deposit:
- Coach Booking: ₹50,000 per coach.
- Train Booking: Minimum of 18 coaches → ₹9,00,000; additional coaches at ₹50,000 each.
Additional ₹10,000 per day per coach applies if the tour duration exceeds 7 days.
Coach & Train Limits
| Booking Type | Min Coaches | Max Coaches |
|---|---|---|
| Coach Booking | 1 | 2 (per single train) |
| Train Booking | 18 | 24 (must include 2 SLR/generator coaches) |
Terms & Conditions
- Attachment Rules: Coaches can only be attached/detached at stations where the train stops for 10 minutes or more; not all trains are eligible.
- No Concessions Allowed: Standard discounts (e.g., for students, seniors, etc.) are not applicable in FTR bookings—full fare applies for all.
- Payment Timelines:
- Pay security deposit within 6 days of FTR request submission.
- Full fare must be cleared at least 48 hours before departure, or as stated by IRCTC.
- Refund Rules:
- Must submit your tour folder, certified name list, and No Dues Certificate within 21 days post-journey to claim refund of deposit.
- Cancellation Charges:
Timing Charges ≥2 days before departure 10% of ₹50,000 per coach 1 day to 4 hours before 25% of chargeable fare Within 4 hours or after departure 50% of chargeable fare Cancelled by IRCTC/Railways (infeasible) Full deposit refunded
Catering & Safety Provisions (for FTR Journeys)
- Catering: IRCTC exclusively handles catering for FTR bookings—whether arranged through them or self-provided, especially if a pantry car is included. In case pantry facilities aren’t available, only IRCTC-catered services may be allowed.
- Operational Halts: Special free en-route halts (up to 2 of them, 20 mins each per 1000 km block) are allowed. Additional halts cost ₹25,000 each, with a maximum of three such stops allowed.
- Passenger Manifest: Must be uploaded at least 24 hours before departure.
User Insights
- Bulk Booking Alternative: Some travelers opt for partial bulk bookings by submitting formal requests to the Chief Reservation Supervisor (CRS) for group tickets, though coach integrity is not guaranteed without FTR.
- For bookings like pilgrimages or weddings involving 30+ passengers, FTR provides certainty and coherence, whereas standard booking may split your group across coaches.
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Booking Period | 6 months to 30 days before journey |
| Security Deposit | ₹50,000/coach; minimum ₹9 lakh for train booking |
| Coach Limits | Max 2 per single train; train booking requires 18–24 coaches |
| Payment Deadlines | Deposit within 6 days; full fare 48 hours before departure |
| Refund Policy | Submit documents within 21 days after trip |
| Cancellation Penalties | 10% to 50% depending on timing |
| Catering Rules | IRCTC provides or supervises catering; must use FTR-compatible services |
| Special Halts | Up to 2 free; up to 3 paid at ₹25k each |
If you’d like help checking FTR availability for your specific route, preparing your documents, or understanding routing feasibility, I’d be happy to assist!