Shatabdi train fare cut, here is why there is low fare decision for 25 trains
New Delhi : There is good news for train travellers in India. The national railway system in India may soon declare a low ticket rates for Shatabdi Express train travel. As per PTI reports, the senior government official cited that Indian Railways has identified 25 Shatabdi Express trains where the carrier looks to ensure optimum utilisation of resources. The railway department is now working actively on the proposal in this regard.
Currently, Indian train network operates quality train services such as Shatabdi Express and Rajdhani Express.
Take a look at the following points which will brief you about sudden fare cut decision for premium Shatabdi trains-
The Indian Railways operates around 45 Shatabdi trains across India.
Last year, the train service had launched a pilot project in two Shatabdi trains, between Delhi and Ajmer and between Chennai and Mysuru. The project was conducted to study the impact of lowering of fares on its travellers and railway department, as well. Under the pilot study, the fares were reduced between Jaipur and Ajmer, and Bengaluru and Mysuru - the sections of the route which observed continuous low occupancy.
The Press Trust of India (PTI) report said that the senior government official mentioned, “The move yielded positive results for us. What we did was we offered fares in these premium trains equivalent to bus fares plying on the particular stretch,"
The carrier has in the recent times faced criticism for its flexi-fare scheme, with the general argument that the scheme led to a pin-point in Shatabdi, Rajdhani and Duronto train fares.
Indian Railways launched the flexi fare system for premier trains Rajdhani, Duronto and Shatabdi on September 9, 2016. Under the flexi-fare system, the base fare increases by 10% with every 10% of berths sold, subject to arranged limit.
In Union Budget 2018-19, the government has termed railway infrastructure as "the growth driver of economy". For 2018-19, the government hanged Railways capital expenditure at Rs. 1,48,528 crore.
Railway Minister Piyush Goyal had tweeted on microblogging site "With a focus to enhance passenger amenities at stations, Indian Railways has embarked on a mega transformation journey to redevelop 90 railway stations into world class transit hubs,"
Mr. Goyal mentioned that Budget 2018 lays a roadmap to transform Indian Railways into "a modern, safe, affordable & comfortable mode of transport for the people.
As per official news, an eight-member committee has been constructed to review the flexi fare scheme, had in January this year suggested discounted fares in trains with low occupancy.
The committee also recommended "offer discounted fare in trains having low occupancy", Minister of State for Railways Rajen Gohain Rajen from Nagaon, Assam had quoted in a written response to a question in the Lok Sabha assembly.
