Indian Railways To Offer Heavy Discounts For Vacant Seats In Shatabdi, Gatimaan, Tejas And Other Trains

In a bid to improve occupancy and earnings, the Indian Railways is planning to give up to 25 per cent discount on fares for its trains like Shatabdi Express, Gatimaan Express, Tejas as well as double-decker and intercity trains by the end of next month, reports ANI.

"Ministry of Railways have decided to delegate powers to zonal railways to introduce discounted fare scheme in trains with sitting accommodation of AC chair car and executive class," according to a circular put out by the ministry on Tuesday (27 August).

The discount offered will be on the base fare on all trains with AC chair car and executive class sitting accommodation. The reservation fee, GST, superfast tariff etc., as applicable, will be levied separately.

Only trains with monthly occupancy of less than 50 per cent in the previous year are eligible for discount, said a statement by the Ministry of Railways. “Discount to be offered can be up to 25 per cent of the base fare,” it added.

“Discount can be given for the first leg and/or last leg of journey and/or intermediate sections and/or end to end journey,” the statement said while adding that catering shall be optional for trains with discounted fare.

The zonal railways have been tasked to review the occupancy of all applicable trains and examine by 30 September the implementation of the discounted scheme.

“If found feasible, the same shall be implemented with effect applicable to advance reservation period for the train on an experimental basis for an initial period of six months," said the circular, as reported by ANI.