Railway Fares To Reduce By 25% In AC Chair Cars Including Vande Bharat, But There’s A Catch; Read Here For More

New Delhi, July 8: Fares of AC chair cars and executive classes in low occupancy trains including Vande Bharat could come down by as much as 25 per cent following a decision taken by the Ministry of Railways.

With the patronage of AC classes in several trains remaining below expectations, including the newly introduced premier Vande Bharat trains, the Railway Board has decided to introduce ‘discounted fare scheme’ in such trains to get more passengers and save the railways from incurring operating losses.

The principal chief commercial managers of respective railway zones have been entrusted with the responsibility to decide on the quantum of the discount, news agency PTI said.

The discounted fares, which will be decided on the basis of occupancy, could go up to 25 per cent on the base fare in trains with AC seating only, it said quoting the Railway board order. The discounted fares will be applicable on the first leg of the journey, the last leg or between stations and the discounts will be made competitive to bus fares that run on the particular route.

“This scheme shall be applicable in AC chair car and executive classes of all trains having AC seating accommodation, including Anubhuti and Vistadome coaches,” the Railway Board order stated.

“The element of discount shall be up to a maximum of 25 per cent on the basic fare. Other charges like reservation charges, super-fast surcharge, GST, etc, as applicable, shall be levied separately. The discount may be provided in any or all the classes on the basis of occupancy,” it said.

The discount shall be implemented with immediate effect. However, no refund of fare shall be admissible for already booked passengers.