High-speed trains

It is welcome to know that train number 22436/22435 New Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Express and 22439/22440 New Delhi- Sri Mata Vaishnow Devi Katra Vande Bharat Express (train 18) have been successful ones for commercial run since their inception in 2019. The two trains are now running with high demand for travel and Indian Railways is planning to introduce such trains across other sectors very soon.

The fares are, however, charged only on full fare basis- with no room to avail subsides, including under various categories like senior citizen quota and Divyangjan quota. As it is also known that the ticket fare also includes food offered in the train, but the passengers otherwise do not have a choice to opt-out of catering services. Indian Railways should further consider offering subsidized ticket fares at least to senior citizens and Divyangjan quotas. It should further look allow the passengers to opt-out of catering services offered onboard.

Varun Dhambal

Bangalore