Rlys to introduce dynamic fare system on Delhi-Mumbai route

The Railways has introduced dynamic passenger fare system on an experimental basis on Delhi-Mumbai route for special Rajdhani type trains. The trains will initially run this month during Christmas/new year vacation and are likely to continue on regular basis if response is positive.

The dynamic fare which is prevalent in air travel may stay for other premium trains as well. The decision will be taken after assessing the response,  said a rail ministry official.

In a dynamic fare system, the travelers pay fare according to the travel demand. In this pattern there is  a base fare. If there is a rush for the particular flight or train, the passengers need to pay more. The advance reservation period for these trains will be shorter, that is a maximum of 15 days. The fare shall be equal to or higher than the Rajdhani Tatkal fare which will increase depending on the demand intensity.

There will be no refund except when the train is cancelled on railway account due to unforeseen circumstances or due to severe disturbances affecting operations. No waitlisted tickets shall be issued.

The booking shall be available only through internet, that is IRCTC’s portal and not through the counters at reservation centres. The fares applicable for each day/transaction shall be indicated at the time of booking on the IRCTC’s e-ticketing website.

There will be only two classes of travel accommodation, viz AC-3 Tier and AC-2 Tier. Catering shall be provided on-board and catering charges shall be part of tariff. As the train is designed to clear the last minute peak time demand and has no stoppages en route, said the railways. The passengers are required to carry the prescribed original photo identity card which is used at the time of booking.

As of now, the special trains with dynamic fare system will run to clear peak demand for travel on the eve of Christmas/New Year. The trains have been scheduled just before the regular Rajdhani trains from both the sides. The zonal railway has been asked to monitor the adherence of the schedule. These non-stoppage trains will take only 13 hours.

Railways proposes to operate these premium air-conditioned special trains between December 24, 2013 to January 2, 2014. There will be four trips from New Delhi each on 24th, 27th, 30th December and 2nd January.

There will be three trips from Mumbai to Delhi on 26th, 29th  December  and 1st  January.