The Railways have decided to introduce a Tatkal scheme in reserved classes of passenger trains also.
The Tatkal scheme in the passenger trains will be available in the reserved classes (2nd AC, 3rd AC, 3rd AC Economy, Chair Class, Sleeper and 2nd reserved sitting).
Zonal Railways have been told to identify such passenger trains where the it can be done.
The zonal railways will earmark Tatkal accommodation in such trains/classes in which average utilisation during the previous financial year has been more than 60 per cent.
The extent of accommodation to be earmarked will be the same as applicable in case of a normal Tatkal scheme.
The minimum Tatkal charges prescribed for different classes will be applicable as flat Tatkal charges.
This means that Tatkal charges in passenger trains will be Rs 10 for reserved second sitting, Rs 90 for sleeper, Rs 100 for AC Chair Car, Rs 250 for 3 AC and Rs 300 for 2AC.
All other conditions applicable to normal Tatkal scheme will be applicable in passenger trains as well.
“The zonal railways have been asked to issue train specific notification and date of effect of this scheme at their own level,” said the ministry.
The Tatkal scheme was initially introduced in 1997 with a view to provide reservation to those passengers who have to undertake journey at short notice and to save such them from the clutches of unscrupulous elements/touts.
At present, this scheme is available in almost all mail and express trains and in all reserved classes except First Class and First AC Class.
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