Indian Railways Introduces Discounted Fares for AC Chair Car and Executive Classes on Low-Occupancy Routes
Indian Railways is set to slash prices of AC chair car and executive classes on low-occupancy routes by up to 25%. The move comes as part of the government’s efforts to enhance capacity utilization and optimize accommodation in trains. Zonal Railways have been given the authority to introduce the discounted fare scheme, which will be applicable for an initial period of up to six months from the launch date.
According to a press release by the Ministry of Railways, the discounted fare scheme will be implemented in trains with AC sitting accommodation, including Anubhuti and Vistadome coaches. The discount, up to a maximum of 25% on the base fare, will only apply to the basic fare and not other charges like reservation fees, super-fast surcharges, or GST.
The discount will be provided based on the occupancy of the train. Trains with occupancy less than 50% during the last 30 days will be considered for the scheme. The fares of other competitive modes of transport will be taken into consideration to determine the quantum of discount.
The discounted fare scheme can be applied to the first and/or last leg of the journey, intermediate sections, or the entire end-to-end journey, as long as the occupancy is less than 50% in those specific legs/sections. However, the discount will not be applicable for passengers who have already booked their tickets.
In the case of trains where flexi fare is applicable in a particular class and the occupancy is low, the scheme can be withdrawn initially to encourage higher occupancy.
It’s worth noting that the discounted fare scheme will not be applicable to special trains introduced for holidays or festivals.
The introduction of discounted fares aims to attract more passengers and increase the occupancy rate in AC chair car and executive classes. By offering lower prices on low-occupancy routes, Indian Railways hopes to optimize the utilization of accommodation and provide a cost-effective transportation option to passengers.
Passengers traveling in AC chair car and executive classes can take advantage of the discounted fares, which could potentially result in significant savings. However, it is essential to book tickets promptly as the discounted fare scheme will be implemented with immediate effect.
While this move is expected to benefit passengers, it also reflects the government’s commitment to improving the overall efficiency and revenue generation of Indian Railways. By offering competitive fares and attractive discounts, the railway authorities aim to attract more travelers to train travel, further boosting the country’s rail transportation sector.
Indian Railways continues to explore various initiatives and strategies to enhance passenger experience and increase the occupancy of trains. The delegation of powers to Zonal Railways for introducing discounted fare schemes demonstrates a proactive approach to adapt to changing market dynamics and ensure optimal capacity utilization across the network.
As the discounted fare scheme takes effect, passengers are encouraged to stay updated with the latest information from Indian Railways regarding the availability of discounts and applicable routes. Additionally, it is advisable to plan and book tickets in advance to take advantage of the promotional fares and secure a comfortable journey.
With the implementation of the discounted fare scheme, Indian Railways aims to strike a balance between affordability and revenue generation while offering a convenient and efficient mode of transportation for passengers across the country.
