Indian Railways To Introduce Discounted Fares For AC Chair Car And Executive Classes

The Indian Railways has announced a significant reduction in fares for AC chair car and executive classes on low-occupancy routes.

"With a view to optimize utilization of accommodation in trains, the Ministry of Railways has decided to delegate powers to Zonal Railways to introduce discounted fare schemes in trains with AC sitting accommodation, subject to terms and conditions," a press release from the government read.

This scheme will be available in executive classes and AC chair cars on all trains with AC seating, including Anubhuti and Vistadome coaches, the release stated.

The amount of the discount shall not exceed 25% of the basic fare and additional charges like the reservation fee, the super fast premium, the GST, etc. will be calculated on an individual basis. The reduction may be made available in any or all classes depending on occupancy, it said.

According to the release, trains with classes that were less than 50% occupied within the previous 30 days (either from end to end or in a few designated legs or sections, depending on the portions where a discount is to be offered) will be taken into account. The criteria used to determine the amount of the discount shall be the rates of competing modes of transportation.

As long as there is less than 50% occupancy on that leg, segment, or end-to-end, as the case may be, the discount can be applied to the first leg, last leg, intermediate parts, or entire trip.

The discount shall go into effect right away. However, travellers who have already made reservations are not eligible for a fare refund.

Discounted fares may be offered for various durations based on the demand during the specified period. This can include the entire length of the journey, a specific portion of the duration, monthly discounts, seasonal offers, or discounts specifically applicable for weekdays or weekends.

A train's flexi fare system may initially be suspended when occupancy is low and the system is applicable to a certain class in an effort to increase occupancy.

In case a discount is provided for the entire journey, the tatkal quota will not be allocated for the selected duration of those trains. Furthermore, if a discount is offered for a specific segment of the train's route where the entire journey discount is applicable, the tatkal quota will not be available for that particular segment.

The discount will be applicable only to the existing bookings and tickets purchased before the preparation of the first chart.

The discount scheme will not be applicable to special trains launched for holiday or festival specials.