If you are among those awaiting a reduction in the price of season tickets for air-conditioned local trains, then you are likely to be upset. At present, the railways is in no mood to do so.
Days after the Union minister of state for railways, Raosaheb Danve, announced a reduction in single-journey fares (card tickets) for AC locals and first-class (on non-AC trains), on Sunday, the top boss of Railways asked, “Do you people still need a reduction in fares?” After reviewing the progress of the Central and Western Railways, the chairman and CEO of the Railway Board, V K Tripathi, was addressing mediapersons on Sunday at Mumbai Central.
Tripathi had held a meeting with CR and WR officials at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus on Saturday, where issues pertaining to AC locals were discussed. The railway authorities are also looking at publicizing weekly and fortnightly season passes issued solely for AC local trains.
Sources said that of the 10 AC rakes, the CR and WR have both set one aside as a back-up rake. “We expect two more AC rakes to come this year, of which one is expected to arrive before monsoon. Now that fares have been slashed, we expect more footfall inside AC locals,” said a senior railway official.
The CR and WR will get 238 more AC locals under Phases 3 and 3A of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP), to be procured by the Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC). However this agency, which is a joint venture between the Indian Railways and the Maharashtra government, is in trouble as it has not been receiving financial assistance from the state government owing to political differences.
Asked about the cash crunch of the MRVC, Tripathi said, “We are in touch with state government officials and the issue will be resolved soon.”
The revised fares for single-journeys (card tickets) fors AC local as well as non-AC first class, will be applicable from May 5. (please see chart). The Railways hope that this move will help increase the number of passengers on AC locals and in the first-class sections of non-AC trains too.
Single-journey fares for first class on non-AC local trains in suburban sections have also been rationalized. However, there will be no change in the season ticket basic fare for both, AC and first-class non-AC categories.
All other existing terms and conditions applicable for AC ordinary services running over the suburban section shall remain the same.
POINT-TO-POINT REVISED FARES FOR SELECT CR, WR STATIONS
Revised single journey fares (card tickets) for AC local trains applicable from May 5, 2022:
CSMT-Dadar: Rs 35
CSMT-Kurla/ Ghatkopar: Rs 70
CSMT-Thane: Rs 95
CSMT-Diva: Rs 100
CSMT-Dombivli/ Kalyan: Rs 105
CSMT-Titwala: Rs 115
CSMT-Badlapur: Rs 120
Churchgate-Mumbai Central: Rs 35
Churchgate-Dadar/ Bandra: Rs 50
Churchgate-Andheri: Rs 70
Churchgate-Borivli: Rs 95
Churchgate-Bhayandar: Rs 100
Churchgate-Vasai Road: Rs 105
Churchgate-Nalasopara/ Virar: Rs 115
Revised single journey fares (card tickets) for non-AC first class, applicable from May 5, 2022:
CSMT-Dadar: Rs 25
CSMT-Kurla/ Ghatkopar: Rs 60
CSMT-Thane: Rs 85
CSMT-Diva: Rs 90
CSMT-Dombivli: Rs 95
CSMT-Kalyan: Rs 100
CSMT-Titwala: Rs 105
CSMT-Badlapur: Rs 105
Churchgate-Mumbai Central: Rs 25
Churchgate-Dadar/ Bandra: Rs 40
Churchgate-Andheri: Rs 60
Churchgate-Borivli: Rs 85
Churchgate-Bhayandar: 90
Churchgate-Vasai Road/ Virar: Rs 100