(a) whether the number of Railway passengers seeking reservation in higher classes
have increased as a result of hike in airfare; and
(b) if so, the measures taken by the Railways to meet the demand?
(a) whether the number of Railway passengers seeking reservation in higher classes
have increased as a result of hike in airfare; and
(b) if so, the measures taken by the Railways to meet the demand?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI K.H. MUNIYAPPA)
(a): The number of passengers travelling in higher classes of reserved accommodation
have increased by 8.95% in April-June 2012 period, when compared to the corresponding
period of the previous year. This increase in passenger traffic is due to a combination
of factors like general increase in demand, growth in peak season rush, etc. and hence
cannot be attributed solely to hike in airfare or otherwise.
(b): Indian Railways continuously strive to facilitate more passenger services by
introducing new trains, enhancing the composition of higher class coaches in more popular
trains, running special trains and attaching extra coaches in the existing trains to cater to additional demand.