(a) whether the Government is aware that the dynamic fares introduced in the Suvidha trains are very high and passengers are unable to bear such exorbitant rates;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has receivedany representations and proposals to reduce the dynamic fares, if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the steps being taken by the Railways to reduce the fares?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)
(a) & (b): Suvidha specials are introduced during peak demand period on variable fare structures for reserved class. The fare structures of Suvidha trains are as under:-
(i) Unreserved second class: Normal superfast Mail/Express fares.
(ii) Reserved Class: Minimum fare is Tatkal fare 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.
However, alternative trains on normal fare structures are already running on most of the routes of Suvidha trains.
(c) & (d): Representations/suggestions on review of certain policies are received regularly at various levels like Ministry of Railways, Zonal Railways, Division, Station level, online etc. The representations/suggestions are examined and action as found feasible and justified is taken. At present there is no proposal to reduce the fare structure of Suvidha trains. However, refund provisions of Suvidha trains have been rationalised and normal refund rules have been made applicable for Suvidha trains also.
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