Editor
Ministry of Railways Introduces Discount Scheme in AC Chair Car and Executive Classes
In a bid to optimize accommodation utilization in trains, the Ministry of Railways has empowered Zonal Railways to implement a discounted fare scheme for trains with AC sitting accommodation. The scheme comes with certain terms and conditions:
1. Applicability of the Discounted Fare Scheme:
* The scheme applies to AC Chair Car and Executive classes in all trains with AC sitting accommodation, including Anubhuti and Vistadome coaches.
* A discount of up to 25% on the basic fare will be provided. Additional charges like reservation fees, superfast surcharge, GST, etc., will be levied separately.
* The discount can be offered in one or all classes based on occupancy.
2. Criteria for Discounted Fare:
* Trains with occupancy less than 50% (either end to end or in specific legs/sections) during the last 30 days will be considered.
* Fares of competitive modes of transport will be taken into account while determining the discount amount.
* The discount may apply to the first leg, last leg, intermediate sections, or end-to-end journey, depending on occupancy.
3. Implementation and Duration:
* The discount will be implemented immediately. However, no fare refunds will be granted for already booked passengers.
* The discount scheme will initially be applicable for a specific period determined by the Principal Chief Commercial Managers (PCCMs) of the zones corresponding to the train's originating station, up to a maximum of six months from the implementation date. The discount duration may be adjusted based on demand patterns.
* For trains with inter-zonal O-D pairs/destinations, discount implementation will involve consultation with PCCMs of other Zonal Railways or the Managing Director or COM/CCM of KRCL.
4. Regular Reviews and Modifications:
* The discount scheme will be regularly reviewed, and adjustments, extensions, or withdrawals may be made based on occupancy levels.
* If modifications or withdrawal of the scheme are decided, they will be implemented immediately. However, no fare differences will be charged from already booked passengers.
5. Flexi Fare Scheme and Occupancy:
* In trains where the flexi fare scheme is applicable in a particular class and the occupancy is low, the flexi fare scheme may be withdrawn initially to boost occupancy. If occupancy remains poor, the discount scheme may then be implemented.
6. Exclusions and Ticketing:
* Special trains introduced for holidays or festivals are exempted from the discount scheme.
* Tickets for PTOs, fare differences on railway passes, concessional vouchers, MLA/ex-MLA coupons, warrants, MPs/Ex-MPs, and freedom fighters will be booked at the original class-wise fare, not the discounted fare.
* Tatkal quota will not be allocated for the determined period if the discount is provided on an end-to-end basis. If the discount applies to a specific part of the journey, tatkal quota may not be provided for that segment.
* The discount will be applicable for tickets booked until the preparation of the first chart and during current booking. Onboard booking by TTE may also be allowed.
7. Duration of the Scheme:
* The scheme will remain in effect for up to one year.
By introducing this discounted fare scheme, the Ministry of Railways aims to enhance passenger occupancy and promote efficient utilization of AC sitting accommodation in trains.