NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Railways aims to optimize the utilization of accommodation in trains and has authorized the Zonal Railways to introduce a discounted fare scheme for trains offering AC sitting accommodation. The fares of AC chair car and executive classes, including Vande Bharat, will be reduced by up to 25%.

This scheme applies to AC Chair Car and Executive classes of all trains with AC sitting accommodation, including Anubhuti and Vistadome coaches.  A maximum discount of 25% will be applicable on the basic fare. Additional charges such as reservation charges, super-fast surcharge, GST, etc., will be levied separately. The discount may be provided in any or all classes based on occupancy.

To determine the eligibility for discount, the train's occupancy during the last 30 days will be considered. If the occupancy is less than 50% in specific legs/sections or end-to-end, the discount will be applicable. The fares of competing modes of transportation will be taken into account when deciding the discount percentage.

The discount can be applied to the first leg, last leg, intermediate sections, or end-to-end journey, depending on the occupancy being less than 50% in that particular leg/section.  The discount will be implemented immediately; however, passengers with already booked tickets will not be eligible for a fare refund.

The discount scheme will be initially implemented for a duration decided by the Principal Chief Commercial Managers (PCCMs) of the respective zones, corresponding to the train's originating station. The scheme will be valid for a maximum of six months from its implementation date. Discounted fares may be applicable for the entire duration, part of the duration, on a monthly basis, or according to seasonal, weekday/weekend demand patterns.

For trains with inter-zonal origin-destination pairs, consultation with PCCMs of other Zonal Railways or the Managing Director or COM/CCM of KRCL may be required to determine the fare discount.

Regular reviews will be conducted, and the discount may be modified, extended, or withdrawn based on occupancy.  If there is a decision to modify or withdraw the discount scheme, the changes will be implemented immediately. However, passengers with already booked tickets will not be required to pay any fare differences.

In the case of trains where the flexi fare scheme applies in a specific class and the occupancy is low, the flexi fare scheme may be initially withdrawn to increase occupancy. If this measure does not lead to improved occupancy, then the discount scheme may be applicable to those trains/classes.

Tickets for Privilege Ticket Orders (PTOs), fare differences on Railway passes, concessional vouchers, MLA/ex-MLA coupons, warrants, MPs/Ex-MPs, and Freedom Fighters, etc., will be booked at the original class-wise fare and not at the discounted fare.

During the decided period, Tatkal quota will not be allocated for trains where the discount is provided on an end-to-end basis. Furthermore, if a discount is offered for a part of the journey, Tatkal quota may not be available for the discounted part of the journey.

The discount will be applicable for tickets booked until the preparation of the first chart and during the current booking phase. Additionally, the onboard Ticket Checking Staff (TTE) may also permit the discount.  This scheme does not apply to special trains introduced for holidays, festivals, etc. The provisions of this scheme will be applicable for a period of one year.