RATIONALIZED RAIL FARE AND FREIGHT RATES TO BE ENFORCED FROM MIDNIGHT
TODAY
The rationalized
fare structures for Rajdhani and Shatabadi Express trains, reduced
fares for Jan Shatabadi Express trains and re-classified freight
rates, as passed by the Parliament, will come into force from
midnight today.
The basic fares
for each class of Rajdhani and Shatabdi Express trains have been
linked to the fares for Mail and Express trains and will be 15
per cent higher than the fares of corresponding class of Superfast
Mail and Express trains on a uniform basis. In a few cases, where
rationalized fares are marginally higher, the existing fares have
been retained. The basic fares for Executive Class of Shatabadi
Express trains have been kept two times the basic fares of AC
Chair Car of these trains. The basic fare for Rajdhani and Shatabdi
Express trains are inclusive of reservation fee and supplementary
charge for Superfast trains, which will not be levied separately.
The Safety Surcharge will be levied additionally as applicable.
The fares for
Jan Shatabdi Express trains have been reduced. The fares for each
class of these trains have been fixed at five per cent higher
than the fares of corresponding class of Superfast Mail and Express
trains on a uniform basis. Besides, the catering services on Jan
Shatabdi Express trains have been made optional. Accordingly,
no charges for catering services will be added to the fares. The
Safety Surcharge will be levied separately as applicable.
In addition,
the concept of reduced fares during non-peak periods in selected
trains has been introduced. As an experimental measure, the basic
fares of AC First Class and AC 2-Tier in all Rajdhani Express
trains will be reduced by 10 per cent, for journeys to commence
from July 15, 2003 to September 15, 2003 only.
The revised fares
will also apply to tickets in advance for journeys to commence
on and after April 1, 2003.
Several other concessions
in fares for various categories of passengers will also come into
force from April 1, 2003.
The re-classified
freight rates are designed to mop up more freight traffic with
attendant incentives as part of new marketing strategies of railways.
