Lok Sabha Question No. 2031 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-03-09
Subject: Special Trains in Peak Season
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: SUSHMITA DEV, JYOTIRADITYA MADHAVRAO SCINDIA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2031 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.03.2016

## SPECIAL TRAINS IN PEAK SEASON

2031.  KUMARI SUSHMITA DEV: SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Railways has decided to run special trains during peak travel/festival seasons and henceforth be introduced only by charging more than normal fares;
- (b)  if  so,  the  reasons  for  charging  more  than  normal  fares  on  such special trains;
- (c)  whether  the  Railways  are  trying  to  penalise  the  common  man  by charging such extra fares;
- (d) if so, the reasons therefor and whether the Government proposes to reconsider its decision; and
- (e) if so, by when and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

- (a) to (e) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

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STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (e)  OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2031 BY KUMARI SUSHMITA DEV AND SHRI JYOTIRADITYA  M.  SCINDA  TO  BE  ANSWERED  IN  LOK  SABHA  ON 09.03.2016  REGARDING SPECIAL TRAINS IN PEAK SEASON (a). The  following types  of special trains are introduced  for the passengers over Indian Railways:(1).  Special  trains  on  normal  fare  structure  (equivalent  to  regular  time Tabled trains) under the following circumstances:(i).      Unreserved  special  train  for  all  distances  including  Jansadharan Express. (ii)      To  clear  passengers  due  to  hold  up  of  traffic  on  account  of incidents  like  accidents,  floods,  breaches,  line  blocks,  cancellation  of trains etc. (2). Special trains on special charges are introduced based on demand pattern.  In  addition  to  fare  equivalent  to  regular  time  Tabled  trains, special charges are levied at the rate of 10% of basic fare for second class (reserved) and 30% of basic fare for all other classes subject to minimum and maximum charges. (3).  Suvidha  trains:-  With  effect  from    01.07.2015,  Suvidha  trains  are introduced for meeting demand peaks as may arise from time to time during summer, winter, festivals and on other occasions. Minimum fare of  Suvidha  trains  is  equal  to  Tatkal  fare  applicable  for  the  class  of accommodation  for  initial  20%  of  the  berths  and  thereafter  the  fare increases for subsequent slabs of 20% of seats/berths booked subject to maximum three times of the Tatkal fare.

Cont./-

(b).  Special  trains  on  special  charges  and  suvidha  trains  are  run  as additional services over and above the regular time-tabled trains during peak seasons. They do not displace the regular services but complement  them  by  providing  additional  facility  for  travel  at  short notice/lesser Advance reservation period by paying higher fares.  In view of  the  subsidized  fare  structure  for  the  regular  time  tabled  trains  and extra efforts being made by Railways for running of such special trains, the  fares  of  Suvidha  trains  &  Special  trains  on  special  charges  have been kept higher.

(c). For unreserved second class of special train on special charges and Suvidha trains, no extra fare are levied and the same is charged as per the fare of the regular time Tabled Mail/Express superfast fares only. (d)  &  (e).  At  present,  there  is  no  proposal  to  review  the  concept  of running of special trains on special charges and Suvidha trains in view of  the  subsidized  fare  structure  for  the  regular  time  tabled  trains  and extra efforts being made by Railways for running of such special trains.

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