New Delhi: To optimize utilization of accommodation, the Railways has introduced discount scheme of up to 25% in AC chair cars and executive classes on all trains, including Vande Bharat, along with Anubhuti and Vistadome coaches, having AC-sitting accommodation.
The extent of the reduction will depend on the occupancy levels and fares of competitive modes of transport and will be applicable up to a period of one year, according to a recent order by the Railway Board.
The Ministry has empowered principal chief commercial managers of railway zones to introduce the discounted fare schemes for trains with AC seating. The order specifies that the discount, a maximum of 25 per cent on the basic fare, will be applicable in trains with occupancy less than 50 per cent in the last 30 days, either end-to-end or in specific legs/sections.
The discount can be applicable for the first and/or last leg of the journey, intermediate sections, and/or the entire journey if the occupancy is less than 50 per cent in the corresponding leg/section. It will be applicable for tickets booked up to preparation of first chart and during current booking. The discount may also be permitted onboard by TTE, it further said.
Additional charges such as reservation fees, super-fast surcharges, GST will be levied separately, it added.
However, the railways will not refund the fare for the passengers who have already booked their ticket. This scheme will also not be applicable on special trains, holiday or festive specials.
