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No fewer than three Vande Bharat trains, including the recently opened one between Bhopal and Indore, have occupancy rates below 50 percent. (photo: PTI/file)
Indian Railways is offering discounted fares on Vande Bharat, Anubhuti and Vistadome buses due to lower occupancy rates, this will be applicable for at least one year followed by a review
The Ministry of Railways is offering up to 25 per cent discount on air-conditioned car seat and executive class across trains, including Vande Bharat, Anubhuti and Vistadome buses, after a number of those reported low occupancy rates.
According to a ministry official, the move was taken as a number of chair cars and business class trains were running at capacity. A number of these coaches could not get enough passengers. This led to losses. We decided to implement this scheme to improve the occupancy of these trains. This new order is valid for one year. “It will be reviewed after that,” the official said. News 18.
The ministry official further said that as of Saturday, regions have been enabled to allow discounting. “Districts will have to select trains (with chair and executive class), which operate at reduced occupancy. Trains with chair and executive class occupancy rate below 50 per cent for any stretch within the last month will be eligible for the discount,” the official said.
The official also said that competitive transportation rates will be the criteria when determining the discount amount.
The railways said the discount could be given for the first leg and/or the last leg of the journey and could also be for intermediate sections, where occupancy is less than 50 per cent. Also, while the discount will be implemented with immediate effect, no refunds will be accepted for tickets already booked.
On trains where the flexible fare scheme was applicable in a particular class, and occupancy was poor, the ministry said the scheme would initially be withdrawn as a measure to increase occupancy. But if this does not improve occupancy, then only discount system can be applied in those trains/classes.
The fare can be reduced for at least three Vande Bharats
Another official said that at least three Vande Bharat trains, including the recently opened one between Bhopal and Indore, are under 50 percent occupancy.
The Bhopal Jabalpur and Bhopal Indore Vande Bharat trains have an average occupancy rate of around 30 per cent on both sides. While these are new trains, occupancy can go up. This scheme will benefit those trains as well where chair-car classes are challenged by better or cheaper alternative trains,” the official said.
The discount element must be up to a maximum of 25% on the base fare. Other charges such as reservation fee, super speed surcharge and GST, as applicable, will be charged separately. Discount may be offered in any or all classrooms based on occupancy.
Regions will determine the duration of the discount
The ministry also said that the Principal Commercial Managers (PCCM) in the respective regions will decide on the duration of the rebate. “This discount will be applied initially for a period as decided by the PCCMs for the regions corresponding to the original station of the train, provided that it is a maximum of six months for the trip dates from the time it is implemented,” the ministry said.
The ministry also said reduced fare could be given for the full term, part term, monthly, seasonal or weekdays/weekends based on demand patterns.
Further review will be done regularly and based on occupancy the discount may be modified, extended or withdrawn. “If it is decided to amend the discount or withdraw the system, it can also be implemented with immediate effect. However, no fare difference will be charged or charged to passengers already booked.
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