Railways Introduces 25% Discounted Fare Scheme For AC Sitting Accommodation To Boost Occupancy

New Delhi, 9th July 2023: In a bid to enhance the utilization of accommodation in trains, the Ministry of Railways has taken a significant decision to delegate powers to Zonal Railways, allowing them to introduce a discounted fare scheme for trains with AC sitting accommodation. However, this scheme will be subject to certain terms and conditions.

Applicability of the Discounted Fare Scheme:
The discounted fare scheme will be applicable to AC Chair Car and Executive classes of all trains that offer AC sitting accommodation, including coaches such as Anubhuti and Vistadome.

The discount provided will be up to a maximum of 25% on the basic fare. Additional charges like reservation fees, super fast surcharges, and GST will be levied separately. The discount may be offered in any or all classes based on the occupancy level.

To determine the eligibility for the discount, the occupancy of the train will be assessed over the last 30 days. Trains with occupancy less than 50% in specific legs/sections, either end to end or in some specified segments, will be considered. The fares of competitive modes of transport will be taken into account while deciding the quantum of discount.

The discount can be applicable for the first leg, last leg, intermediate sections, or the entire end-to-end journey, provided the occupancy is less than 50% in the relevant leg/section.

Implementation and Duration:
The discounted fare scheme will be implemented immediately. However, no fare refunds will be provided for passengers who have already booked their tickets.

The scheme will be initially implemented for a duration decided by the Principal Chief Commercial Managers (PCCMs) of the respective zones corresponding to the train’s originating station. The maximum duration for implementation will be six months from the journey start date. The discounted fare can be offered for the entire duration, part duration, month-wise, seasonally, or based on demand patterns.

For trains with inter-zonal origin-destination pairs, discounts may be given in consultation with PCCMs of other Zonal Railways or the Managing Director or COM/CCM of KRCL.

Regular reviews will be conducted, and based on the occupancy, the discount may be modified, extended, or withdrawn.

Flexi Fare Scheme and Other Considerations:
For trains where the flexi fare scheme is applicable in a particular class and the occupancy is poor, the flexi fare scheme may be initially withdrawn to increase occupancy. If this measure does not result in improved occupancy, then the discounted fare scheme may be implemented for those trains/classes.

Tickets booked under Privilege Ticket Orders (PTOs), fare differences on Railway passes, concessional vouchers, MLA/ex-MLAs coupons, warrants, MPs/Ex-MPs, and freedom fighters, among others, will be booked based on the original class-wise fare and not the discounted fare.
During the decided period, Tatkal quota will not be earmarked for trains where the discount is provided on an end-to-end basis. If the discount is provided for a part of the journey, the Tatkal quota may not be provided for that particular segment.

The discounted fare scheme will be applicable for tickets booked until the preparation of the first chart and during the current booking. Additionally, onboard booking by the Train Ticket Examiner (TTE) may also be permitted.

The scheme will not be applicable to special trains introduced as holiday or festival specials.

The provision of this discounted fare scheme will remain valid for a period of one year.

This initiative by the Ministry of Railways aims to optimize the utilization of AC sitting accommodation and make train travel more affordable for passengers.