The Indian Railways upgraded 48 more express trains to the 'superfast' category, raising their designated speed by five kilometers and hiking the fare with respect to a new timetable released on November 1.
For Increasing Train Speed By A Negligible 5Km/hr, Railways Will Now Charge Passengers Rs 75 Extra As 'Superfast' Fee
The railways which is currently running at losses will be able to make 70 crore from these levies.
The upgradation does not mean additional amenities for passengers travelling on the 1,072 superfast trains, reported news agency IANS. Passengers, nevertheless, will have to shell out Rs 30 more for Sleeper, Rs 45 for Second and Third AC and Rs 75 for First AC class as superfast charges.
According to the report, the railways which is currently running at losses will be able to make 70 crore from these levies.
Indian Railways introduced demand-based Dynamic Fare for its premium trains, including 42 Rajdhanis, 46 Shatabdis and 54 Duranto trains across the country in 2016. However, with prices on par with air travel, the trains witnessed empty berths.
Borrowed from the dynamic air fare system, the Railways version charges base fare for first 10 per cent of bookings of premium trains and beyond that increase the fares based on demand. However, neither the dynamic fare nor the up-gradation of express trains guarantee that the trains would run on time.
A report by the Times of India says that trains from all zones have been slowed down, effective from November 1, but no intimation has been given to passengers.
The slowing down of trains have also inevitably lowered the average time of 'superfast trains' at 55 kmph, thereby defeating their purpose.
But till yet, there is no provision on refund of money paid for the superfast trains in case they do not cater to the services promised, the IANS report said citing a CAG report.
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