For group travelers in India, finding confirmed train seats can often feel like navigating a maze—especially during peak seasons or major festivals. But what if you could bypass the scramble entirely? Thanks to the Indian Railways' Full Tariff Rate (FTR) service, you can. Whether you're planning a wedding procession, a religious yatra, a corporate retreat, or a university tour, IRCTC allows you to charter an entire coach—or even an entire train.
This guide explains everything you need to know about booking a full train or coach through IRCTC, from the online process and booking windows to deposits and cancellation rules.
What Is IRCTC’s FTR Service?
The Full Tariff Rate (FTR) scheme allows individuals or organizations to book either:
1. Railway Coach Charter: A full coach (18–100 seats),
2. Train Charter: An entire train (18 to 24 coaches, including mandatory generator cars),
3. Saloon Charter: Offers private, luxurious travel with full living amenities.
This service is especially useful for events that require entire groups to travel together—ensuring coordination, privacy, and convenience from start to finish.
How to Book a Coach or Train via IRCTC
Option 1: Online Booking via IRCTC FTR Portal
- Visit the official portal: ftr.irctc.co.in.
- Create a login (if you don’t already have one) and verify using an OTP.
- Choose your service: Coach, train, or saloon.
- Enter journey details: Start and end stations, train preference, dates, and number of coaches.
- Upload your passenger list and submit the request.
- Pay the registration deposit within six days to confirm the booking. You will receive an FTR number after payment.
Option 2: Offline Booking via Station Counter
- Visit the Chief Booking Supervisor (CBS) or Station Manager at your origin station (must have a stop of 10 minutes or more).
- Submit a written request with journey details.
- CBS will issue a system-generated slip with a reference number and registration amount.
- Pay the amount at the UTS counter to receive your FTR number.
- Bring the FTR number back to the CBS office to retrieve your booking details.
1. Booking Window: Opens 6 months in advance and closes 30 days before departure.
2. Maximum Coaches: 10 per coach booking, 24 for a full train (with 2 SLR coaches mandatory).
3. Registration Amount:
- Rs 50,000 per coach (up to 7 days of travel)
- Rs 10,000 extra per day per coach beyond that
- Rs 9,00,000 minimum for 18-coach train booking
Refunds: Processed manually through the Chief Commercial Manager (Passenger Marketing). Cancellation charges apply based on timing.
Additional Conditions
- Coach detachment or attachment is allowed only at stations where the train halts for 10 minutes or more.
- Submitting a booking request does not guarantee approval—allocation is based on coach availability and operational feasibility.
The FTR system allows groups to travel without the usual stress of split bookings, waitlisted tickets, or last-minute changes. It offers a streamlined way to travel together, with the option to customize routes, schedules, and services. Whether you’re planning a grand family celebration or a university field trip, this is the Indian Railways’ most organized and reliable solution for large-scale travel.
For more information or to initiate your booking, visit ftr.irctc.co.in or speak to the reservation officer at your originating station.
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