Flex fare system in Rajdhani, Duronto and Shatabdi trains

The Railways have decided to put in place the flexi fare system for premier trains – Rajdhani, Duronto and Shatabdi from 9 September.

The base fare for Rajdhani, Duronto and Shatabdi trains will be on flexi fare system, according to railways.

However, there will be no change in the existing fare for 1AC and Executive Class of travel in premier trains.

While 10 percent of the seats will be sold in the normal fare in the beginning, it will go on increasing by 10 percent with every 10 percent of berths sold with the ceiling limit at maximum 50 per cent depending upon the demand.

For 2AC and Chair Car, the maximum hike is 50 percent while for 3AC, it is 40 percent.

Other supplementary charges like reservation charges, superfast charge, catering charges, service tax as applicable shall remain unchanged.

There are total 42 Rajdhani trains, 46 Shatabdi and 54 Duronto trains.

Opposition parties were quick to condemn the government for the surge pricing.

The Congress’ head of communications, Randeep Surjewala, mocked the prime minister saying his promise for achche din for railways was yet another ‘jumla.’

He tweeted, “Modi Govt will collect addl. 1000 Cr by upto 50% hike in Duronto/Rajdhani/Shatabadi surge pricing. Acche Din for Railways is another Jumla.”

Aam Aadmi Party’s Preeti Sharma Menon’s tweet read, “Surge pricing for trains? All blows directed at the common man while Ambanis and Adanis milk the system.”

Here are some other notable reactions on social media;