New Delhi: According to the order of the Railway Board, the fare of AC Chair Car, Executive Class, Anubhuti and Vistadome coaches of all trains including ‘Vande Bharat’ will be reduced by 25% on the basis of occupancy. These fares depend on competing modes of transport.
To optimize the use of housing facilities, ministry of railways has directed Principal Chief Commercial Managers of Railway Zones to introduce concessional fare scheme in trains with AC seats. “The scheme is applicable in AC chair car and executive classes of all trains having AC seating including Anubhuti and Vistadome coaches,” the Railway Board order said.
The discount factor is maximum 25% of the base price. Other charges like reservation fee, super fast surcharge, GST etc. will be charged separately as applicable. Concession may be granted in any or all categories depending upon the occupancy. The order states that trains with less than 50% occupancy in the last 30 days will be selected for this. It also states that rates of competing modes of transport will be the benchmark while determining the amount of exemption.
Exemption can be given for first/last leg/intermediate segments of the journey or for end-to-end journey. In this case, the occupancy of that section should be less than 50 percent from start to finish. This exemption will be applicable with immediate effect. Passengers who have already booked will not be refunded the fare.
Flexi fare is applicable in some classes of trains and if the occupancy is poor, the scheme can be withdrawn early as a measure to increase the occupancy. It is said that this scheme is applicable during holidays or festival special launched as Not applicable on special trains.
