(a) whether the Railways plan to fix maximum limit/quota for railway employees or free
pass users in each train both in sleeper and AC class to enable more seats for paid users;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor; and
(c) if not, the manner in which the Railways plan to make available more berths for paying
travellers and limit the free users?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI ADHIR RANJAN CHOWDHURY)
(a) to (c): A limited number of berths/seats have been earmarked in Rajdhani, Shatabdi and
Duronto Express Trains in all classes and in air-conditioned class of Jan Shatabdi Express
Trains as Duty Pass Quota against which serving/retired railway employees can book berths/
seats against Duty/Privilege/Post Retirement Complimentary passes. In these trains, booking
of passengers who hold complimentary passes is also done against the Duty Pass Quota. This
restriction is not applicable to other Mail/Express Trains.
With a view to providing enhanced accommodation and increasing the availability of berths/seats,
various steps are taken which include augmentation of the composition of existing trains,
increasing frequency of trains and introduction of new trains subject to operational feasibility.