The Ministry of Railways on Tuesday revised its fare structure for premier trains including the Rajdhani, Duronto and Shatabdi to include a 10% discount and fewer tatkal seats, NDTV reported. The discount is applicable on the basic fare for vacant berths available after the reservation charts have been made. The development is effective from December 20 on a trial basis for six months. The initiative aims to increase revenues by tapping into the last-minute bookings market, observers told the news channel.
In September, Indian railways incorporated a surge pricing system for the Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto trains, where fares fluctuate between 10% and 50% higher than the base price on cues from ticket demands. An unidentified official said the model was reviewed after three months to incorporate a few changes.
A statement issued by Indian Railways said there were 5,871 vacant berths in Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto trains between September 9 to October 31. The tatkal quota, for Rajdhani, Duronto and Shatabdi trains, has been limited to 10% of the total class-wise accommodation. This will be revised after a fortnight and is subject to an increase.
The Ministry of Railways also announced that it will transition from cash to accrual-based accounting.
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