Head: Railway board to revise air conditioned class ticket tariffs following parliamentary committee suggestions

Head: Railway board to revise air conditioned class ticket tariffs following parliamentary committee suggestionsRailway board has sought to revamp its air conditioned class ticket tariffs in India after a parliamentary committee, which had urged the entity to revisit the structure of its air-conditioned class ticket tariff as well as suggested that “competitive pricing is making railway travel a far more attractive option for passenger revenues”.

Summary of the Suggestions:

1. Toll Rationalization: The committee suggested adjustment in AC class fares through ensuring that fare should adjust itself in a manner to generate sufficient revenues on the one hand and also ensuring affordability for the travelers.

2. Dynamic Pricing Mechanism: Review the dynamic pricing mechanism in which steep ticket prices always prevail in peak times.

3. Better Passenger Experience: In addition, proposals for improvement of onboard services and product improvements were made in order to realize additional value and attract more passenger numbers to AC classes.

Though operating costs have been continuously going up, Indian Railways is looking at ways to drive the passenger business. Premium train offers and upgraded services notwithstanding, the committee feels optimalizing fare structures would fetch still more money.

The Ministry of Railways has assured study of the recommendations on the basis of deriving measures that would be a win-win situation for both passengers and the organization.