Strategy to increase railway fare
In order to provide better facilities for passengers it is imperative for railways to increase fares and provide funding. However, every time an increase is made there is hue and cry from all parties. I would suggest a method wherein passengers won’t feel the pinch of the increased fare but at the same time provide funds for the railways to improve facilities.
Most passenger trains have 20 coaches, of which about 10 are sleeper coaches (non AC). What Indian railways can do is introduce the new coaches some of which are being done with foreign collaboration. Instead of the presently in use 10 sleeper coaches, 5 of the new coaches can be introduced by substituting with the old ones so that there are 5 old and 5 new type coaches. Now, as the new coaches are much better in faciltities, passengers can be charges a premum of, say 20%, above the sleeper coach fare.
Over a period of time, passengers using these coaches would appreciate the better facilities, and more than willing to pay the premium fare. Sure enough, there would be demand for travelling in these coaches, and those travelling in the present sleeper coaches (and after seeing for themselves the new coaches) would shift to travelling in the new coaches by paying premium. Soon enough, the demand would be so much that the older sleeper coaches would have to be phased out and so would be the stagnant sleeper coach fares.
Most passenger trains have 20 coaches, of which about 10 are sleeper coaches (non AC). What Indian railways can do is introduce the new coaches some of which are being done with foreign collaboration. Instead of the presently in use 10 sleeper coaches, 5 of the new coaches can be introduced by substituting with the old ones so that there are 5 old and 5 new type coaches. Now, as the new coaches are much better in faciltities, passengers can be charges a premum of, say 20%, above the sleeper coach fare.
Over a period of time, passengers using these coaches would appreciate the better facilities, and more than willing to pay the premium fare. Sure enough, there would be demand for travelling in these coaches, and those travelling in the present sleeper coaches (and after seeing for themselves the new coaches) would shift to travelling in the new coaches by paying premium. Soon enough, the demand would be so much that the older sleeper coaches would have to be phased out and so would be the stagnant sleeper coach fares.
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I really appreciate Mr. Konkankar for the input you have given and the valuable comment s. I only hope it appeals to the authorities ; particularly also the comments raised by the members on the service and cleanliness .
Nov 02
What is more than this in train like special, suvidha fair is increased by 40% with dynamic effect, should the citizen allowed only to travel in kachra Coaches with running implemented fair by ministry of rail, was it conditioned that this fair in suitable for kachra coaches. My dear what ever fair is increase should be fair but transparent and similar for all the trains but Railway should be clear about safety and facilities in train in respect of fair. But should be sure all old coaches should be replaced soon to keep safety , cleanness and our basic requirements in mind
Nov 01
Yes. The Rlys charges more but does not provide the facilities. Ex. Premium rates and also there are many trains converted as Superfast but their running time is more than the express trains. Even now, Rlys are issuing Wait lists upto 400 and allowing the W/L passengers into the Coaches. The confirmed reserved passengers are suffering due to the overcrowd of the people without even passage to go to rest rooms.
Oct 31
Passenger trains are catering more mob and attending large population, increase in train ticket with small amount may result substantially.
Oct 31
I feel that time has come, when railway should consider to introduce some seating coaches in particular trains those are more crowded. It may give more comfort to passengers who may travel for long distance and with these coaches railway can earn better. As the carrying capacity will also raise. Railway may consider to increase fare of passenger trains with small amount may result in good numbers.
Oct 31
The experience with premium fare/train is not good. Let there be small increase in the fare at yearly intervals. People are accustomed to the rise every year.
Oct 28
I too feel this can work. One of my client gets enquiries for parts which are manufactured in Germany. Sea route availability takes 3-4 months and freight is X but air routes takes 7-8 days but the freight is 3 X. Rarely, I have found any businessman opting for sea route delivery. They pay 3X fare and the product reaches their destination. Why? Because due to this product, their productivity affects. Similarly, the businessmen will be ready to pay 2x or 3 x freight for the faster delivery of their material at the destination. TRY this railways.
Oct 28
