New Delhi: The Indian Railways has introduced discounted fare schemes, up to a maximum of 25 per cent, for all trains with air-conditioned (AC) sitting accommodation, including the Vande Bharat Express.
According to the Railway Board circular dated 7 July, the Principal Chief Commercial Managers (PCCM) of railway zones have the power to introduce the discount scheme which comes with a few riders.
While the scheme will be applicable to all AC Chair Car and executive classes in trains, including the Anubhuti and Vistadome coaches, the discount may be provided — in any or all classes — based on their occupancy.
The remaining charges, such as reservation charge and super fast surcharge, will be levied separately, while the discount will be on the base fare. The discount will be implemented with immediate effect, however, no refunds will be provided to “already booked passengers”.
Amitabh Sharma, Executive Director (Information and Publicity), Railway Board, told ThePrint that the rationale behind the move was to increase the occupancy rate in the said classes.
When asked whether the move was limited to improving the occupancy of a certain category of trains, such as the Vande Bharat Express, Sharma said it was not the case.
Trains with classes that have an occupancy of less than 50 per cent — in either end-to-end or some specified sections — during the last 30 days will be taken into account for the scheme. “The fares of competitive modes of transport shall be the criteria while deciding the quantum of discount,” the circular read.
However, the discount will not be applicable on special trains that are introduced as part of holiday and festival specials, the circular noted.
“In case of trains where flexi fare scheme is applicable in a particular class and the occupancy is poor, the scheme may be withdrawn initially as a measure to increase the occupancy. In case this does not result in improved occupancy, a discount scheme may be made applicable in those trains,” the circular read.
Further, the concerned PCCM can decide the period for which the discounted fares can be implemented, “subject to a maximum of six months for the journey dates from when it is implemented”.
“Discounted fare may be given for the entire duration or part duration [–] or month wise or seasonal or for week days, weekends [–] based on demand pattern of the aforementioned period,” the circular read.
(Edited by Smriti Sinha)
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