New Delhi: Indian Railways on Thursday said that the decision to introduce dynamic surge pricing for premier train tickets has been done on an experimental basis, and will be reviewed ‘after some time’.
This clarification comes in the way of widespread criticism from political parties on the Railways’ decision to charge incremental fares from September 9.
“We have introduced the dynamic fare system on an experimental basis. We will review it after some time and see what necessary measures can be taken further,” Chairman Railway Board (CRB) AK Mital told PTI.
Passengers travelling by Rajdhani, Duronto and Shatadbi trains will have to shell out between 10 and 50 per cent more under the new rule. Those traveling by First Class AC and Executive Class however would not have to pay incremental fares.
Defending the move, Railway Board Member (Traffic) Mohd Jamshed said train travel is still the cheaper mode of transport in the country compared to air or road.
All India Railway Federation General Secretary Shiv Gopal Mishra justified the move claiming that only well-to-do people use Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto trains.
PTI