(a) whether the Railways have introduced a new scheme for upgradation of rail passengers to the next higher class;
(b) if so, the details and salient features thereof;
(c) the name of trains and classes in which the facility is to be provided initially;
(d) the benefits accrued to the railways and rail passengers therefrom;
(e) whether the Railways propose to extend this facility in all trains; and
(f) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(SHRI R. VELU)
(a) to (f): With a view to optimise the utilisation of available accommodation in
train, a scheme to upgrade full fare paying passengers to the next higher class
against the available vacant accommodation has since been extended to all
Mail/Express trains having sleeping accommodation w.e.f. 24-02-2006. The
salient features of the scheme are given below:
(i) The scheme is applicable to only full fare paying passengers, free
of charge.
(ii) It is applicable only in those trains having sleeping accommodation.
(iii) The passengers for upgradation will be selected on random basis by the System at the time
of preparation of reservation charts.
(iv) Upgradation of passengers will be done as under:
Sleeper to 3-AC or First Class
3 AC to 2AC
2AC to 1 AC
(v) Upgradation will not be done for block booking transactions.
(vi) Upgradation will be done only to the extent of clearance of the combined waiting list of
all classes. If there is no waiting list, no upgradation will take place.
(vii) If a passenger, who has been upgraded, cancels his ticket, cancellation charges of the
original class only will be payable.