NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Railways announced on Saturday that it was delegating powers to the Zonal Railways to introduce a discounted fare scheme in trains with AC chair cars.
"With a view to optimising utilisation of accommodation in trains, the Ministry of Railways has decided to delegate powers to Zonal Railways to introduce a discounted fare scheme in trains with AC sitting accommodation, subject to terms and conditions," the government said in a press note. The fares of AC chair cars and Executive Classes of all trains having AC Sitting accommodations, including Anubhuti and Vistadome Coaches, are to be reduced by up to 25 percent, they said.
The element of discount shall be up to a maximum of 25 percent on the basic fare. Other charges, like the reservation charge, super fast surcharge, GST, etc., as applicable, shall be levied separately. The discount may be provided in any or all the classes on the basis of occupancy," it said.
The order also said that trains having "classes with occupancy less than 50 percent (either end-to-end or in some specified legs or sections depending upon the sections where discount is to be provided) during the last 30 days shall be taken into consideration."
The fares of competitive modes of transport will be the criteria for deciding the quantum of discount, it added.
The discount can be given for the first and/or last leg of the journey and/or intermediate sections and/or end-to-end journeys, provided the occupancy is less than 50 percent in that leg, section, or end-to-end journey.
"The discount shall be implemented with immediate effect. However, no refund of fare shall be admissible for already booked passengers," it said.
In the case of trains where the flexi fare is applicable in a particular class and the occupancy is poor, the scheme can be withdrawn initially as a measure to increase the occupancy.
This scheme will not be applicable to special trains introduced as holiday or festival specials. (ANI)
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