Question : Suvidha-Premium Trains

(a) the number of Suvidha/Premium trains being run by the Railways at present;

(b) the extent of extra fare charged in those trains as compared to the fares of the Common Mail/Express Train;

(c) whether majority of Suvidha/ premium trains do not reach destination stations on time and the services rendered such as catering are of sub-standard quality due to which the passengers have to face difficulties in the name of facilities and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(d) whether the very purpose of running Suvidha/premium trains to earn more revenues is thus being defeated; and

(e) if so, the corrective steps taken by the Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

(a): Suvidha/Premium Express trains based on the dynamic pricing mechanism are run on seasonal and occasion-specific instances when the demand for travel by certain trains goes up and the level of demand satisfaction becomes low. As such, specific number of Suvidha/Premium Express running at present cannot be ascertained as its figures keep on changing on daily basis depending on operational feasibility and commercial viability.

(b): Minimum fare of Suvidha trains is equal to Tatkal fare applicable for the class of accommodation for initial 20% of the berths and thereafter the fare increases for subsequent slabs of 20% of seats/berths booked subject to maximum three times of the Tatkal fare. Other supplementary charges are levied in full.
Now, Suvidha trains are running in place of Premium trains with rationalized fare structure.

(c): No, Madam. The average punctuality, (right time arrival at destination) of the Suvidha/Premium Express trains during the last three months (February, 2016 to April, 2016) is 80%. However, some of the Suvidha/Premium Express trains, like other Mail/Express trains, lose punctuality due to various reasons like asset failures, adverse weather conditions, line capacity constraints on account of increasing passenger and freight traffic, public agitation, law and order problems etc.
Catering arrangements are provided in Suvidha trains at short notice. Concerted efforts have been made to provide quality catering services through Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).

(d): No, Madam. Suvidha train services are provided as facilities to those passengers, who plan their journey at short notice.

(e): Does not arise.

*****