The Indian Railways has stated that it would reduce train ticket prices for AC Chair Cars and Executive Classes by up to 25%. The fare reduction will go into effect immediately.

This discount plan was implemented by the Railways in AC Chair Cars and Executive Classes of all trains with AC Sitting Accommodation, including Anubhuti and Vistadome Coaches. Other relevant costs, however, will be imposed separately.

This plan does not apply to special trains that are launched as holiday and festival specials. “The element of discount shall be up to a maximum of 25% on the basic fare,” stated an Indian Railways source.

According to media sources, the fare for AC Chair Car and EC on Vande Bharat trains is more than double that of similar trains running on the same routes. In addition, because demand appeared to be minimal, several lines of the Vande Bharat train were running at low occupancy.

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According to the sources “To optimize the utilization of accommodation in trains, the Ministry of Railways has decided to delegate powers to Zonal Railways to introduce a discounted fare scheme in trains with AC sitting accommodation,”.

“Trains with classes with occupancy less than 50% (end to end or in some specified legs/sections) during the last 30 days shall be considered,” Indian Railways stated.

In the event of trains where the flexi fare system is available in a certain class and occupancy is low, the flexi fare scheme can be withdrawn initially as a way to boost occupancy, the source added. If this does not result in increased occupancy, the Railways have determined that a discount program may be implemented in those trains/classes.

Tickets for VIPs such as MLAs and ex-MLAs, MPs and ex-MPs, independence fighters, and others will be booked at the original class-level fare rather than the discounted cost.

Furthermore, if the discount is granted on an end-to-end basis, the Tatkal quota should not be reserved in such trains for the specified duration. Furthermore, if a discount is granted for a portion of a train’s route, the tatkal quota may not be provided for that portion of the journey, according to the Railways.