REVISION OF RESERVATION CHARGES :: RAIL BUDGET 2013 - 14

As announced by the Minister for Indian Railways, Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal,while presenting Railway Budget 2013-14 in the Parliament, the Ministry of Railways has decided not to increase the Train Fare of any class, but to make changes in Reservation charge, Supplementary Charge for Super fast Trains, Cancellation charges on Reserved Tickets, Minimum and Maximum Tatkal Charges and Clerkage charges which have been increased. The revised charges will be w.e.f  01-04-2013.Details are given below.

So as per the Railway's  new announcement the passengers have to pay the difference as Reservation Charges and Supper fast Charges for the reservation of tickets.

Difference in Reservation Charges as per the class :: For IA and 2A Rs.25 /- , For 3A Rs.15  and No changes for Sleeper Classes.
Difference in Supper fast Charges as per the class ::  For IA  Rs.25 /- ,For 2A Rs.15/-  For 3A Rs.15 and For Sleeper Classes Rs.10/-

REVISION OF TATKAL CHARGES : : RAIL BUDGET 2013-14

REVISION OF TATKAL CHARGES :: RAIL BUDGET 13 - 14
As announced by the Minister for Indian Railways, Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal,while presenting Railway Budget 2013-14 in the Parliament, the Ministry of Railways has decided not to increase the Train Fare of any class, but to make changes in Reservation charge, Supplementary Charge for Super fast Trains, Cancellation charges on Reserved Tickets, Minimum and Maximum Tatkal Charges and Clerkage charges which have been increased. The revised charges will be w.e.f  01-04-2013.Details are given below.

So as per the Railway's  new announcement the passengers have to pay the difference.

Difference in Tatkal Charges as per the Class :: For 2A Rs.100 /- , For 3A Rs.50  and For Sleeper Classes Rs.15/-.

CANCELLATION CHARGES : : RAIL BUDGET 2013-14

Railways, Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal,while presenting Railway Budget 2013-14 in the Parliament, the Ministry of Railways has decided not to increase the Train Fare of any class, but to make changes in Reservation charge, Supplementary Charge for Super fast Trains, Cancellation charges on Reserved Tickets, Minimum and Maximum Tatkal Charges and Clerkage charges which have been increased. The revised charges will be w.e.f  01-04-2013.Details are given below.

• If a passenger wants to cancel the reserved tickets before 24 hrs in advance of the scheduled departure of the train he has to pay the minimum cancellation charge. 

Minimum Cancellation Charge per passenger according to Class wise.

1. For 1AC and EC - Existing Rs 70 - Revised Rs 120 - Difference  Rs.50/-
2. For 2A and FC - Existing Rs 60 - Revised Rs 100 - Difference Rs.40/-
3. For 3A and ACC - Existing Rs.60 - Revised Rs. 90 - Difference Rs.30/-
4. For SL - Existing Rs.40 - Revised Rs.60 - Difference Rs.20/-
5. For 2S - Existing Rs 20 - Revised Rs.30 - Difference Rs.10/- 

• If a passenger wants to cancel the tickets within 24 hrs and upto 4 hrs before the scheduled departure of the train. For this cancellation charge per passenger is 25% of the fare paid subject to minimum amount specified.
• If a passenger wants to cancel the tickets within 4 hours before the scheduled departure of the train.For this cancellation charges per passenger is 50% of the fare paid subject to the minimum amount specified.

TRAIN FARE : : RAIL BUDGET 2013-14

TRAIN FARE REVISED :: SUMMARY
As announced by the Minister for Indian Railways, Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal,while presenting Railway Budget 2013-14 in the Parliament, the Ministry of Railways has decided not to increase the Train Fare of any class, but to make changes in Reservation charge, Supplementary Charge for Super fast Trains, Cancellation charges on Reserved Tickets, Minimum and Maximum Tatkal Charges and Clerkage charges which have been increased. The revised charges will be w.e.f  01-04-2013.Details are given below.

Train Fare Hike List

WR TO INTRODUCE FIRST AC COACH IN BANDRA TERMINUS-AHMEDABAD LOKSHAKTI EXPRESS

Lokshakti Express

For the convenience of the passengers Western Railway has decided to introduce o­ne First AC coach in train no. 19143/19144 Bandra Terminus – Ahmedabad – Bandra Terminus Lokshakti express w.e.f 15thMarch, 2013.

The booking for First AC class will start from 28thFebruary, 2013

Educational Tourist Train ‘Azadi Express’ to be introduced

The Minister of Railways Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal has said that he proposes to run an educational tourist train called ‘Azadi Express’ to enable youth of the country to travel to important places connected with the freedom movement. He said, the train will be made attractive and affordable through concessional fares
.

Presenting the Railway Budget for 2013-14 in Parliament today he said, to make the experience of tourists more pleasant, the following steps are envisaged:


i. Following popularity of Executive Lounge at New Delhi, setting up of such facility at seven more stations: Bilaspur, Visakhapatnam, Patna, Nagpur, Agra, Jaipur and Bengaluru;

ii. Launching a multi-modal travel package with cooperation of State Government of Jammu & Kashmir enabling passengers to travel from Jammu through Udhampur, Qazigund to Srinagar and Baramulla on a common rail-bus ticket;

iii. With the commissioning of railway line up to Katra very soon, feasibility of issuing ‘yatra parchis’ to pilgrims travelling by rail at the time of booking of the railway ticket is being explored in coordination with Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.

Highlights of the Railway Budget 2013-14

·        67 new Express trains to be introduced

·  26 new passenger services, 8 DEMU services and 5 MEMU services to be introduced

·        Run of 57 trains to be extended

·        Frequency of 24 trains to be increased

·        First AC EMU rake to be introduced  on Mumbai suburban network in 2013-14

·        72 additional services to be introduced in Mumbai and 18 in Kolkata

·        Rake length increased from 9 cars to 12 cars for 80 services in Kolkata and 30 services in Chennai

·        500 km new lines, 750 km doubling, 450 km gauge conversion targeted in 2013-14

·        First ever rail link to connect Arunachal Pradesh

·        Some Railway related activities to come under MGNREGA

·        For the first time 347 ongoing projects identified as priority projects with the committed funding

·        Highest ever plan outlay of Rs. 63,363 crore

·        Loan of Rs. 3000 crore repaid fully.

·         A new fund-Debt Service Fund set up to meet committed liabilities.

·        Freight loading of 1047 MT, 40 MT more than 2012-13

·        Passenger growth 5.2% in 2013-14

·        Gross Traffic Receipts – Rs. 1,43,742 crore i.e. an increase of 18,062 crore over RE, 2012-13

·        Dividend payment estimated at Rs. 6,249 crore

·        Operating Ratio to be 87.8% in 2013-14

·        Supplementary charges for super fast trains, reservation fee, clerkage charge, cancellation charge and tatkal charge marginally increased

·        Fuel Adjustment Component linked revision for freight tariff to be implemented from 1st April 2013

·        Enhanced reservation fee abolished

·        Elimination of 10797 Level Crossings (LC) during the 12th Plan and no addition of new LCs henceforth

·        Introduction of 160/200 kmph Self Propelled Accident Relief Trains

·        ‘Aadhar’ to be used for various passenger and staff related services

·        Internet ticketing from 0030 hours to 2330 hours

·        E-ticketing through mobile phones

·        Project of SMS alerts to passengers providing updates on reservation status

·        Next –Gen e-ticketing system to be rolled out : capable of handling 7200 tickets per minute against 2000 now,  1.20 lakh users simultaneously against 40,000 now

·        Introduction of executive lounge at 7 more stations: Bilaspur, Visakhapatnam, Patna, Nagpur, Agra, Jaipur and Bengaluru

·        Introduction of ‘Azadi Express’ to connect places associated with freedom movement

·        Four companies of women RPF personnel set up and another 8 to be set up to strengthen the security of rain passengers, especially women passengers

·        10% RPF vacancies being reserved for women

·        1.52 lakh vacancies being filled up this year out of which 47000 vacancies have been earmarked for weaker sections and physically challenged

·        Railways to impart skills to the youth in railway related trades in 25 locations

·        Provision of portable fire extinguishers in Guard-cum-Brake Vans, AC Coaches and Pantry Cars in all trains

·        Pilot project on select trains to facilitate passengers to contact on board staff through SMS/phone call/e-mail for coach cleanliness and real time feedback

·        Provision of announcement facility and electronic display boards in trains

·        Providing free Wi-Fi facilities on several trains

·        Upgrading 60 stations as Adarsh Stations in addition to 980 already selected

·        Introduction of an ‘Anubhuti’ coach in select trains to provide excellent ambience and latest facilities and services

·        179 escalators and 400 lifts at A-1 and other major stations to be installed facilitating elderly and differently-abled

·         Affixing Braille stickers with layout of coaches including toilets, provision of wheel chairs and battery operated vehicles at more stations and making coaches wheel-chair friendly

·        Centralized Catering Services Monitoring Cell set up with a toll free number (1800 111 321)

·        Complimentary card passes to recipients of Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna & Dhyan Chand Awards to be valid for travel by 1st Class/2nd AC

·        Complimentary card passes to Olympic Medalists and Dronacharya Awardees for travel in Rajdhani/Shatabadi Trains

·        Travel by Duronoto Trains permitted on all card passes issued to sportspersons having facility of travel by Rajdhani/Shatabadi Trains

·        Facility of complimentary card passes valid in 1st class/2nd AC extended to parents of posthumous unmarried awardees of Mahavir Chakra, Vir Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, President’s Police Medal for Gallantry and policy medal for Gallantry

·         Policy Gallantry awardees to be granted one complimentary pass every year for travel along with one companion in 2nd AC in Rajdhani/Shatabadi Trains

·        Passes for freedom fighters to be renewed once in three years instead of every year.

·        Setting up of six more Rail Neer bottling plants at Vijayawada, Nagpur, Lalitpur, Bilaspur, Jaipur and Ahmedabad

·        Setting up of a multi-disciplinary training institute at Nagpur for training in rail related electronics technologies

·        Setting up of a centralized training institute at Secunderabad--Indian Railways Institute of Financial Management

·        Five fellowships in national universities to be instituted to motivate students to study and undertake research on Railway related issues at M.Phil and Ph.D. levels

·        Fund allocation for staff quarters enhanced to Rs. 300 crore

·        Provision of hostel facilities for single women railway employees at all divisional headquarters

·        Provision of water closets and air conditioners in the locomotive cabs to avoid stress being faced by loco pilots

Rail Budget 2013: No hike in passenger fares

Rail Budget 2013: No hike in passenger fares

NEW DELHI: In a relief to passengers, Railway Minister Pawan Kumar on Tuesday announced that there will be no further hike in railway fares as of now. "As regards passenger fares since these were revised only in January this year, I do not intent to pass on the additional burden to them now as railways and the railways will absorb the impact of Rs 850 crore on this account," Bansal said.

Bansal said that the Indian railways will bear the additional burden of a diesel price de-regulation, but the same will not be passed on to the consumer.

Bansal said that any hike in fares is implemented to provide better facilities to the commuters, and should not be viewed as a move made to generate profits. Bansal said that the UPA government is sensitive to the needs of the people and the fare hike implemented in January was carried out after wide-spread consultation.

While the hike was meant to generate Rs 6,600 crore for railways, a subsequent hike in fuel prices will erase around Rs 3300 crore from the same.

However, Bansal announced a hike in reservation and cancellation fees. "There are number of charges which have not been revised for the last several years. These charges are in the form of compensation for cost actually incurred by railways in rendering relevant services. I propose to effect marginal increase in some of these. These include supplementary charge for super fast trains, reservation fee, cancellation charge and tatkal charge," Bansal said.

Bansal announced abolishing the concept of enhanced reservation fee with a view to simplify the fee structure. He also announced a slew of passenger-friendly measures in his railway Budget 2013. While many stations were identified for improving the railway infrastructure, on-board facilities for passengers were also announced.

Railway Budget 2013: Bansal announces new lines

Railway Budget 2013: Bansal announces new lines

NEW DELHI: Indian Railways will take up a number of new projects in 2013-14, Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal announced in his maiden Railway Budget.











The new lines announced by him were:

1. Bhupdeopur-Raigarh (Mand Colliery) (through PPP);
2. Gevra Road-Pendra Road (through PPP)
3. Jaisalmer (Thiyat Hamira)-Sanu;
4. Karaikal-Peralam;
5. Rewari-Rohtak new line extension up to Makrauli;
6. Sultanpur to Kadipur;
7. Thanjavur-Pattukkottai



"I have been receiving representations from Hon'ble Members, State Governments and other public representatives in large numbers for construction of new lines, gauge conversion, doubling, and electrification and also for surveys. I have been pondering over them for the last one month. They are all genuine and reflect the growing need and demand of the most preferred mode of transport of the people in the country," he said.

Bansal proposed to take up 22 projects of new lines and one gauge conversion project. These include Ajmer-Kota (Nasirabad-Jalindri), Anandnagar-Ghugli via Maharajganj, Barwadih-Chirmiri, Delhi-Sohna-Nuh-Firozpur Jhirka-Alwar, Dimapur - Tizit and Pushkar-Merta.

67 New Express and 26 Passenger Trains to be Introduced In Rail Budget

The Minister of Railways Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal has announced the introduction of 67 new Express trains, 26 passenger trains, 5 MEMU services and 8 DEMU services  while presenting the Railway Budget 2013-14 in Parliament today:-

Express trains
   
1.                 Ahmedabad - Jodhpur Express (Weekly) Via Samdari, Bhildi
2.                 Ajni (Nagpur) - Lokmanya Tilak (T) Express (Weekly) Via Hingoli
3.                 Amritsar - Lalkuan Express (Weekly) Via Chandigarh
4.                 Bandra Terminus - Ramnagar Express (Weekly) Via Nagda, Mathura, Kanpur, Lucknow,Rampur
5.                 Bandra Terminus - Jaisalmer Express (Weekly) Via Marwar, Jodhpur
6.                 Bandra Terminus - Hisar Express (Weekly) Via Ahmedabad, Palanpur,
Marwar, Jodhpur, Degana
7.                 Bandra Terminus - Haridwar Express (Weekly) Via Valsad
8.                 Bangalore - Mangalore Express (Weekly)
9.                 Bathinda - Jammu Tawi Express (Weekly) Via Patiala, Rajpura
10.            Bhubaneswar - Hazrat Nizamuddin Express (Weekly) Via Sambalpur
11.            Bikaner - Chennai AC Express (Weekly) Via Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur,
Nagda, Bhopal, Nagpur
12.            Chandigarh -Amritsar Intercity Express (Daily) Via Sahibzada Ajitsingh
Nagar (Mohali), Ludhiana
13.            Chennai - Karaikudi Express (Weekly)
14.            Chennai - Palani Express (Daily) Via Jolarpettai, Salem, Karur,
Namakkal
15.            Chennai Egmore - Thanjavur Express (Daily) Via Villupuram,
Mayiladuthurai
16.            Chennai - Nagarsol (For Sai Nagar Shirdi) Express (Weekly) Via
Renigunta, Dhone, Kacheguda
17.            Chennai - Velankanni Link Express (Daily) Via Villupuram,
Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvarur
18.      Coimbatore - Mannargudi Express (Daily) Via Tiruchchirappalli,
          Thanjavur, Nidamangalam
19.      Coimbatore - Rameswaram Express (Weekly)
20.      Delhi - Firozpur Intercity Express (Daily) Via Bathinda
21.       Delhi Sarai Rohilla - Sikar Express (Bi-weekly) after gauge conversion
22.      Delhi - Hoshiarpur Express (Weekly)
23.      Durg - Jaipur Express (Weekly)
24.      Gandhidham - Visakhapatnam Express (Weekly) Via Ahmedabad,
           Wardha, Ballarshah, Vijaywada
25.      Hazrat Nizamuddin - Mumbai AC Express (Weekly) via Bhopal,
           Khandwa, Bhusawal
26.      Howrah - Chennai AC Express (Bi-weekly) Via Bhadrak, Duvvada,
           Gudur
27.      Howrah - New Jalpaiguri AC Express (Weekly) Via Malcia Town
28.      Hubli - Mumbai Express (Weekly) Via Miraj, Pune
29.      Indore - Chandigarh Express (Weekly) Via Dewas, Ujjain, Guna,
           Gwalior, Hazrat Nizamuddin
30.     Jabalpur - Yesvantpur Express (Weekly)Via Nagpur, Dharmavaram
31.      Jaipur - Lucknow Express (Tri-weekly) Via Bandikui, Mathura, Kanpur
32.     Jaipur-Alwar Express (Daily)
33.     Jodhpur -Jaipur Express (Daily) Via Phulera
34.     Jodhpur - Kamakhya (Guwahati) Express (Weekly) Via Degana,
          Ratangarh
35.      Kakinada - Mumbai Express (Bi-weekly)
36.       Kalka - Sai Nagar Shirdi Express (Bi-weekly) Via Hazrat Nizamuddin,
           Bhopal, Itrasi
37.     Kamakhya (Guwahati) - Anand Vlhar Express (Weekly) Via Katihar,
          Barauni, Sitapur Cantt, Moradabad
38.      Kamakhya (Guwahati) - Bangalore AC Express (Weekly)
39.      Kanpur - Anand Vihar Express (Weekly) Via Farrukhabad
40.      Katihar - Howrah Express (Weekly) Via Malda Town
41.      Katra - Kalka Express (Bi-weekly) Via Morinda
42.      Kolkata - Agra Express (Weekly) Via Amethi, Rae Bareli, Mathura
43.       Kolkata - Sitamarhi Express (Weekly) Via Jhajha, Barauni, Darbhanga
44.      Kota - Jammu Tawi Express (Weekly) Via Mathura, Palwal
45.      Kurnool Town - Secunderabad Express (Daily)
46.      Lokmanya Tilak (T) - Kochuveli Express (Weekly)
47.      Lucknow - Varanasi Express Via Rae-Bareli (6 Days a week)
48.      Madgaon - Mangalore Intercity Express (Daily) Via Udupi, Karwar
49.      Mangalore - Kacheguda Express (Weekly) Via Dhone, Gooty,
           Renigunta, Coirnbatore
50.      Mau - Anand Vihar Express (Bi-weekly)
51.      Mumbai - Solapur Express (6 Days a week) Via Pune
52.       Nagercoil - Bangalore Express (Daily) Via Madurai, Tiruchchirappalli
53.      New Delhi - Katra AC Express (6 Days a week)
54.      Nizamabad - Lokmanya Tilak (T) Express (Weekly)
55.      Patna - Sasaram Intercity Express (Daily) Via Ara
56.      Patliputra (Patna) - Bangalore Express (Weekly) Via Chheoki
57.      Puducherry - Kanniyakumari Express (Weekly) Via Villupuram,
           Mayiladuthurai, Tiruchchirappalli
58.      Puri - Sai Nagar Shirdi Express (Weekly) Via Sambalpur, Titlagarh,
           Raipur, Nagpur, Bhusawal
59.      Puri -Ajmer Express (Weekly) Via Abu-Road
60.      Radhikapur - Anand Vihar Link Express (Daily)
61.       Rajendra Nagar Terminus (Patna)- New Tinsukia Express (Weekly) Via
           Katihar/ Guwahati
62.      Tirupati - Puducherry Express (Weekly)
63.      Tirupati - Bhubaneswar Express (Weekly) Via Visakhapatnam
64.      Una / NangaJdam- Hazoor Saheb Nanded Express (Weekly) Via  
  Anandpur Saheb, Morinda, Chandigarh, Ambala
65.      Visakhapatnam - Jodhpur Express (Weekly) Via Titlagarh, Raipur
66.      Visakhapatnam - Kollam Express (Weekly)
67.      Yesvantpur - Lucknow Express (Weekly) via Rae Bareli, Pratapgarh

Passenger Trains

1.       Bathinda - Dhuri Passenger (Daily)
2.       Bikaner-Ratangarh Passenger (Daily)
3.       Bhavnagar - Palitana Passenger (Daily)
4.       Bhavnagar - Surendranagar Passenger (Daily)
5.       Bareilly - Lalkuan Passenger (Daily)
6.       Chhapra -Thawe Passenger (Daily)
7.       Loharu - Sikar Passenger (Daily) after gauge conversion
8.       Madgaon - Ratnagiri Passenger (Daily)
9.       Marikuppam - Bangalore Passenger (Daily)
10.     Muzaffarpur - Sitamarhi Passenger (Daily) via Runnisaidpur
11.     Nadiad - Modasa Passenger (6 days a week)
12.     Nandyal - Kurnool Town passenger (Daily)
13.     New Amravati - Narkher Passenger (Daily)
14.     Punalur - Kollam Passenger (Daily)
15.     Purna - Parli Vaijnath Passenger (Daily)
16.     Palani-Tiruchendur Passenger (Daily)
17.     Ratangarh - Sardarsahar Passenger (Daily) after gauge conversion
18.     Samastipur- Banmankhi Passenger via Saharsa, Madhepura (Daily) after gauge conversion
19.     Shoranur - Kozhikode Passenger (Daily)
20.     Surendranagar - Dharangdhara Passenger (Daily)
21.     Suratgarh - Anupgarh Passenger (Daily)
22.     Somnath - Rajkot Passenger (Daily)
23.     Sitamarhi - Raxaul Passenger (Daily)
24.         Sriganganagar - Hanumangarh-Sadulpur Passenger (Daily) after gauge conversion
25.      Talguppa - Shimoga Town Passenger (Daily)
26.      Thrisur-Guruvayur Passenger (Daily)

MEMU Services

1.       Barabanki - Kanpur
2.       Chennai - Tirupati
3.       Delhi- Rohtak (Replacement of conventional service by MEMU)
4.       Lucknow - Hardoi
5.      Sealdah - Berhampore Court

DEMU Services

1.       Bhatkal - Thokur
2.       Delhi - Kurukshetra Via Kaithal
3.       Katwa - Jangipur
4.       Lucknow - Sultanpur
5.       Lucknow - Pratapgarh Via Gauriganj
6.       Madgaon - Karwar
7.       Rohtak - Rewari
8.       Taran Taran - Goindwal Saheb

Rail Budget 2013: Rs 2,000 crore allotted for land and station development

NEW DELHI: Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal on Tuesday announced the plan to allocate Rs 2,000 crore for land and station development in his rail budget 2013 speech.

Presenting his maiden budget, Bansal said that the losses from railways are estimated at Rs 24,600 crore for the current financial year. Bansal said that while losses on passenger trains continue to mount, railways need to be financially sustainable.

Bansal emphasised that the growth of railways is 'inextricably' linked with the growth of the overall country. Bansal quoted verses from a poem to highlight the 'strength' of the organisation of the Indian Railways. Bansal started his speech with by paying homage to Congress leaders.

There has been a reduction in the number of train accidents, even though passenger and freight volumes have increased, Bansal said. Indian Railways face mounting scarcity of resources, he added.

In a welcome move, Bansal announced a slew of passenger-friendly measures in his railway Budget 2013. While many stations were identified for improving the railway infrastructure, on-board facilities for passengers were also announced.

Railway Budget 2013: To fill up 1.52 lakh vacancies this year

NEW DELHI: Indian Railways will strive to fill 1.52 lakh vacancies this year, to add to the "family" of 14 lakh railway employees, Pawan Kumar Bansal announced.

Rail Budget 2013: Soon book railway tickets from mobile phones

NEW DELHI: Given the 'overwhelming response' to the Indian Railways website, Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal on Tuesday announced a project that will allow passengers to book railway tickets from their mobile phones. Bansal also announced an SMS alerts' system for passengers which will provide updates on reservation status.

In his rail budget 2013 speech, Bansal said, "As a follow up to overwhelming response to the Indian Railways website and integrated train inquiry service under 193, a project of SMS alerts to passengers providing updates on reservation status is being rolled out shortly,".

Bansal said that there will be a provision of covering large number of trains under real time information system whereby rail users will be able to access information through nominated websites and mobile phones.

Noting that congestion on the IRCTC website causes inordinate delay in accessing the system for e-ticketing, Bansal announced that by the end of this calendar year railways will put in place a next generation e-ticketing system. "This will bring about a paradigm shift in internet rail ticketing by significantly improving the end user experience with respect to ease of use, response time as well as capacity," he said.

The system shall be able to support 7200 tickets per minute as against 2000 tickets per minute today, he added. Bansal further went on to say that the system will support 1,20,000 simultaneous users at any point in time against the present capacity of 40,000 users. It will have the capability to easily scale up as demand increases in future. "The system will make use of advance fraud control and security management tools thereby further improving transparency in sale of tickets," Bansal explained.

"I plan to roll out a more efficient and people sensitive railway service system. Some of the measures initiated or put are extending availability of the facility of internet booking from 12:30 AM to 11:30 PM, making e-ticketing possible through mobile phones," Bansal said in his maiden railway budget speech.

Railway Budget 2013: Reduction in number of train accidents, says Bansal

NEW DELHI: There has been a reduction in the number of train accidents, even though passenger and freight volumes have increased, Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal said in his maiden Railway Budget speech.

Indian Railways face mounting scarcity of resources, he added.

"Howsoever high a flight may be, we must remain connected to the ground," he said.

Pawan Kumar bansal started his speech with the usual homage to Congress leaders. He is the first Congress Railway Minister in nearly 17 years and expectations are high from his Rail Budget speech.

Bansal had in January hiked railway fares across the board for the first time in a decade. The decision had met with widespread political criticism.

Railway Budget 2013: Aadhar can be beneficial for Railways, says Bansal

Railway Budget 2013: Aadhar can be beneficial for Railways, says Bansal

NEW DELHI: Aadhar can be helpful for Railways in many respect, from booking tickets to tracking pension of rail employees, Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal said.

Indian Railways will run a special luxury coach with the best of ameneties, named 'Anubhuti', with select trains.

Indian railways is concerned about the safety of women passengers, and has created 4 companies of women RPF personnel for their safety, Bansal said.

Ladies coaches in metros are being accompanied by women RPF personnel, he added.

There has been a reduction in the number of train accidents, even though passenger and freight volumes have increased, Bansal said in his maiden Railway Budget speech.

Indian Railways face mounting scarcity of resources.

"Howsoever high a flight may be, we must remain connected to the ground," he said.

Pawan Kumar bansal started his speech with the usual homage to Congress leaders. He is the first Congress Railway Minister in nearly 17 years and expectations are high from his Rail Budget speech.

Bansal had in January hiked railway fares across the board for the first time in a decade. The decision had met with widespread political criticism.

Railway Budget 2013: Next generation e-ticketing system by end of this year

NEW DELHI: Indian Railways is aware of the problems of the IRCTC website, and will create a Next generation e-ticketing system by end of this year, Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal said.

Aadhar can be helpful for Railways in many respect, from booking tickets to tracking pension of rail employees, Bansal added.

Indian Railways will run a special luxury coach with the best of ameneties, named 'Anubhuti', with select trains.

Indian railways is concerned about the safety of women passengers, and has created 4 companies of women RPF personnel for their safety, Bansal said.

Ladies coaches in metros are being accompanied by women RPF personnel, he added.

There has been a reduction in the number of train accidents, even though passenger and freight volumes have increased, Bansal said in his maiden Railway Budget speech.

Railway Budget 2013: Next generation e-ticketing system by end of this year

Indian Railways face mounting scarcity of resources.

"Howsoever high a flight may be, we must remain connected to the ground," he said.

Pawan Kumar bansal started his speech with the usual homage to Congress leaders. He is the first Congress Railway Minister in nearly 17 years and expectations are high from his Rail Budget speech.

Bansal had in January hiked railway fares across the board for the first time in a decade. The decision had met with widespread political criticism.

Railway Budget 2013: Bansal announces luxury coaches

NEW DELHI: Indian Railways will run a special luxury coach with the best of ameneties, named 'Anubhuti', with select trains, Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal said.

Indian Railways will run a special luxury coach with the best of ameneties, named 'Anubhuti', with select trains, Bansal said.

Indian railways is concerned about the safety of women passengers, and has created 4 companies of women RPF personnel for their safety, Bansal said.

Ladies coaches in metros are being accompanied by women RPF personnel, he added.

There has been a reduction in the number of train accidents, even though passenger and freight volumes have increased, Bansal said in his maiden Railway Budget speech.

Indian Railways face mounting scarcity of resources, he added.

"Howsoever high a flight may be, we must remain connected to the ground," he said.

Pawan Kumar bansal started his speech with the usual homage to Congress leaders. He is the first Congress Railway Minister in nearly 17 years and expectations are high from his Rail Budget speech.

Bansal had in January hiked railway fares across the board for the first time in a decade. The decision had met with widespread political criticism.

Rail Budget 2013-14 Live: Pawan Bansal reaches Rail Bhavan

New Delhi: Union Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal has reached Rail Bhawan. He is set to present the Railway Budget 2013-14 in the Parliament on Tuesday amid expectations that several new trains and more passenger-friendly measures.

All eyes are on the Railway Minister as he presents his maiden Rail Budget as to whether he would yield to the pressure and hike the fares once again to revive the ‘derailing’ Indian Railways or will he look towards other measures to drive the source.

Bansal is the first Congress minister to be presenting the Rail Budget in last 17 years.

Sources told Zee News that there will be no direct increase in passenger fares but fuel adjustment charge and other surcharges may be levied. Railway Minister had recently told reporters that the increase in diesel prices following the fare hike has negated the additional revenue of Rs 3,300 crore which Railways was expected to mop up.

Besides the fare hike, it is expected that he will announce the introduction of about 100 trains, including AC double deckers, new passenger services and extension of services to cater to the demands of various states in the Rail Budget 2013-14.

Earlier on January 22, the Ministry had effected passenger fare hike across the board by 21 percent, aiming to mop up an additional revenue of Rs 6,600 crore.

As far as rolling stock programme is concerned, the announcement will be made for manufacturing of 4200 new coaches including 600 LHB coaches in the Rail Budget.

While provision for manufacturing of 670 new locomotives including 20 LNG locos will be made, the budget will also account for manufacturing of about 16,000 new wagons.

Bansal is also likely to announce a slew of passenger-friendly measures such as improvement in catering service, development of stations and launching of about 100 new trains in his maiden budget on February 26.

Speaking to the media a day ahead of prsenting his maiden rail budget, Bansal promised a 24X7 helpline for women that will be tracked real time, with top priority accorded to safety of passengers, especially women.

Bansal has had several rounds of discussions with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Finance Minister P Chidambaram and the Planning Commission in connection with the Rail Budget. He is also understood to have discussed the possibility of fare hike with Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

However, sources said that a section inside the Congress is not inclined towards effecting another round of hike as general elections are not far away.

The budget could also see some tinkering in freight rates despite resistance from the industry in the wake of slow economy growth.

Increasing Coal Loading by Railways

The Ministry of Railways, in coordination with the Ministry of Coal and Coal India Ltd. has been striving to increase coal loading for increasing coal supplies in the country. The coal loading by Indian Railways has increased from 251.7 million tonnes in 2003-04 to 455.80 million tonnes in 2011-12. Further, 30 coal connectivity projects have been identified by the Ministry of Railways in consultation with the Ministry of Power and the Ministry of Coal for ensuring swift evacuation and transportation of coal during 12th Five Year Plan period and beyond. The projects are being given top priority and an Inter-Ministerial Group has been constituted to monitor these projects at the highest level.

Now, buy gifts, utilities on Konkan Railway (KR)

Konkan Railway (KR) has launched a unique shopping service, similar to buying products on aircrafts, where passengers can purchase gifts and utility items while travelling from Mumbai to Goa on the Konkankanya Express and the Mandovi Express.

Konkan Railway

“This service, which was launched on February 14, is being provided as a goodwill gesture to our passengers,” Siddheshwar Telugu, chief public relations officer of KR said.

The items sold onboard the trains include watches for women and men, portable music systems, neck-band MP3 players, designer jewellery sets, belts and wallets.

Passengers can also buy perfumes, toys, sunglasses, women’s clutches and handbags, and even electronics such as multimedia speakers.

The railways will also offer on sale exciting products such as spy pens with a video recorder, portable battery packs, car inverters and computer travel kits, among other things.

The products will be sold during daytime journeys between Mangaon and Madgaon stations.

Ava Merchandising Solutions Pvt Ltd has been authorized to sell the products at discounted and competitive rates to passengers, said KR officials.

Vadodara railway station goes hi-tech

VADODARA: Your next visit to the railway station at Vadodara is going to be a pleasant experience. The station is witnessing a major overhaul to extend latest facilities to passengers.

It is the first Western Railways station to introduce a biometric system for passenger reservation that generates a token based on thumb impression of a person wanting to book a ticket. The system will allow an individual to get registered again only after three hours.

"It will discourage touts from booking multiple train tickets or multiple tickets in one train," divisional railway manager ( DRM) Naveen Kumar Shukla told TOI while adding that the system is passenger friendly as they will not have to stand in queues. In future a camera will be installed inside the biometric machine to capture images of repeat comers.

The authorities have already installed 32 CCTV cameras, four touchscreens, apart from new scrolling electronic train charting display. "With the entire railway station connected on our Railnet facility, the station manager can take immediate administrative actions like opening a new window or checking if the booking clerk is missing from the counter," said Shukla. During a recent inspection, general manager of Western Railways Mahesh Kumar inaugurated Jan-Aahar facility, a modern food plaza on platform number. "While we have converted one retiring room into a model retiring room for passengers in transit giving it a typical hotel-room look with all the amenities including LED and modern fittings, the work to refurbish nine others will start soon," said Shukla.

Two lifts and ramps dedicated to senior citizens are also to be installed at the station in addition to two escalators that are being put up.

Rail Budget 2013-14: Railways to launch 100 trains

Railways are planning to introduce about 100 trains, including AC double Decker  new passenger services and extension of services to cater to the demands of various states in the Rail Budget 2013-14.

As far as rolling stock programme is concerned, the announcement will be made for manufacturing of 4200 new coaches including 600 LHB coaches in the Rail Budget.

While provision for manufacturing of 670 new locomotives including 20 LNG locos will be made, the budget will also account for manufacturing of about 16,000 new wagons.

"The focus of the Rail Budget this year is on providing more amenities to passengers. Attempts have been made to cater to the demands of all regions including Northeast as there were representations for new trains from various states," sources in Railway Ministry said.

While services of some express trains have been extended, frequency of certain popular trains have also been increased keeping the demand of people's representatives in mind.

"About 100 new trains will be announced in the budget," the sources said.

Last year, Railways had announced launching of 175 trains including passenger services.

Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in trains and stations, providing quality linen, up gradation of fire-fighting arrangements and new facilities for differently

abled persons are some of the measures likely to be announced by Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal in his maiden budget speech on February 26.

The proposal to provide braille stickers inside coaches for assisting visually impaired passengers are among the measures likely to be announced by Bansal

A total of 543 trains have been identified for providing On Board House Keeping Scheme (OBHS) to keep toilets and coaches clean and hygienic.

Railways have also proposed to set up about 10 mechanised laundries to improve supply of clean and quality linens on trains.

New measures for fire suppression system in AC coaches and pantry cars, which are more fire prone, are likely to be announced in the Railway Budget.

Cash-strapped railways, which has sought Rs 38,000 crore as general budgetary support (GBS) from the Finance Ministry, is likely to get about Rs 28,000 crore for the next fiscal.

Last year, it had got Rs 24,000 crore as GBS.

Spl train between Bandra tr. to Bhavnagar

For the convenience of the passengers and to clear the extra rush Western Railway has decided to run special train between Bandra Tr- and Bhavnagar.

Train No.09231 Bandra (T)-Bhvnagar Weekly Special will leave Bandra (T) o­n every Monday at 12.55 hrs to reach Bhavnagar , the next day at 04.10 hrs from 25th Februarary to 1st April, 2013. Similarly, in return direction, Train No.09232 Bhavnagar -Bandra (T) weekly special will depart from Bhavnagar o­n every Sunday at 17.05 hrs and arrive Bandra Terminusat07.35 hrs , thenext dayfrom 24th February to 31st March, 2013 .

The train will have AC II, Sleeper class and II class general coaches.

This train will halt at Borivali, Vapi, Valsad, Navsari, Surat, Bharuch,

Vadodara, anand, Nadiad, Maninagar, Ahmedabad, Sabarmati, Viramgam, Joravarnagar, Botad, Dholaand, Songarh, stations in both directions.

The booking of train no. 09231/09232 will open from 22nd February, 2013

Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation fined Rs 5 lakh for overcharging

NEW DELHI: Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) was told to pay Rs 5,10,000 for overcharging a consumer by Rs 3. Consumer Dispute Redressal Forum took note of the "unfair and restrictive" practice of overcharging passengers and justified high penalty keeping in view "the gravity and scale of gain by overcharging in 24x7 railways operation all over India".

The decision of the forum comes after a passenger Sachin Dhiman filed a complaint alleging that he was sold a beverage for Rs 15, which had an MRP of Rs 12 "from its retail outlet". The decision was taken after moving ex-parte against the opposite party. It also took note of the plight of passengers "who in transit cannot protest or have little choice but to avail services and whatever cost". The 5 lakh punitive compensation has been directed to be deposited at the Delhi State Legal Services, Patiala House. The complainant was awarded Rs 10,000 as compensation as "litigation charges and harassment"

Mall like complex to come above Thane railway station

MUMBAI: Thane station is all set to emerge as the model suburban station as the railways has decided to undertake commercial exploitation of the air-space above the platform to generate revenue that can be channelized to improve passenger amenities.

The Railway Land Development Authority(RLDA), on Monday, invited request for proposal for appointment of architectural and financial consultant for the commercial exploitation of Thane station.

CR general manager Subodh Jain said, "Once the project is complete, Thane station will have modern amenities and obstacle-free platforms that will ensure faster dispersal of commuters."

The commercial exploitation of airspace will be done above platform number 1. According to RLDA, 0.8 hectares of the land is available for the exploitation. There will be no structure above railway tracks. The cost and other potential revenue earnings from the commercial station are not known yet. However, railways may lease the developed property for 35 years to a successful bidder, who can lease or rent the developed space to build budget hotels, educational institute or commercial offices.

Jain said the railways has plans to demolish all the booking offices and other railways offices from ground floor and shift them to level 1 of the proposed building. "We plan to relocate the canteen to the first floor, where we can have a modern food plaza along with the canteen or a restaurant that will serve food at affordable rates. We also plan to build resting rooms and toilets on level 1 for commuters and the staff. The facade of the new building will have an aesthetic design and all the platforms can have escalators, better surface, furniture and fixtures," he said.

The height of the building may be restricted to ground plus 4 level. "Of the total revenue earned, one-third will be allotted to CR, which can utilize this funds to improve passenger amenities at the station," Jain said.

KNOW - IMPORTANT RULES REGARDING - RAILWAY TICKET 's REFUND

                                        

                                      Refund Rules

UNUSED TICKETS ON WHICH NO RESERVATION HAS BEEN MADE :
If a ticket on which no reservation of a seat or berth has been made is presented for cancellation within three hours after the actual departure of the train for which the ticket is issued or for any ticket valid for the whole day, within three hours after the actual departure of the last train of the day for the destination station, refund of fare shall be made on every such ticket after deducting Rs. 10/- per passenger as clerkage.

UNUSED TICKETS ON WHICH RESERVATION HAS BEEN MADE :
(1) Subject to the provision of these rules, if a ticket on which reservation of a seat or berth has been made, is presented for cancellation, refund of fare shall be made after deducting cancellation charge from the fare as follows :

(a) If a ticket is presented for cancellation more than 24 hours before the scheduled departure of the train cancellation charge shall be deducted at the flat rate of Rs. 70/- for A.C First Class/Executive Class, Rs. 60/- for A.C. 2 Tier sleeper class/ A.C. 3 Tier sleeper class/ First class/A.C Chair Car, Rs. 40/- for Sleeper class and Rs. 20/- for Second class.

(b) If the ticket is presented for cancellation within 24 hours and up to four hours before the scheduled departure of the train, cancellation charges shall be 25% of the fare subject to the min. flat rate mentioned in clause (a).

(c) If the ticket is presented for cancellation within four hours before the scheduled departure of the train and up to :
Three hours, when the ticket is for a destination station up to 200 KM.,
Six hours, when the ticket is for a destination station of more than 200 KM but up to 500 KM., and
Twelve hours , when the ticket is for a destination station of more than 500 KM.,
after the actual departure of the train, cancellation charges shall be 50 % of the fare subject to the min. flat rate mentioned in clause (a).

Provided that for night train leaving between 21:00 hours and 06:00 hours (actual departures), refunds shall be admissible at the station within the time limit specified above or within four hours after the opening of reservation office, whichever is later.

(2) No refunds shall be granted at the station if the ticket is surrendered for cancellation after the expiry of the period mentioned under clause (c) of sub rule (1).

Note: (1) In the case of tickets issued for travel from some other stations refunds shall be admissible at the ticket issuing station provided that the ticket is surrendered before the schedule departure of the train from the station from where the ticket is valid.

(2) On a party/family ticket issued for more than one person, where some persons have confirmed reservations and others are on waiting list, full refund less clerkage charges is admissible for confirmed passengers provided that the entire ticket is surrendered for cancellation at the journey commencing station within four hours before the scheduled departure of the train and up to three hours after actual departure of the train.

UNUSED WAIT LISTED OR RAC TICKETS :
(1A) Subject to provisions of subrule (2), no cancellation charges shall be payable if a wait-listed or RAC ticket is presented for cancellation up to :

(i) Three hours, when the ticket is for a destination station up to 200 KM.

(ii) Six hours, when the ticket is for a destination station of more than 200 KM but up to 500 KM., and

(iii) Twelve hours , when the ticket is for a destination station of more than 500 KM.,

after the actual departure of the train except for a deduction of a clerkage charge of Rs. 20/- per passenger.

Provided that for night train leaving between 21:00 hours and 06:00 hours (actual departures), refunds shall be admissible at the station within the time limit specified above or within four hours of opening of the reservation office, whichever is later.

(2A) Where confirmed reservation has been provided to RAC or wait-listed ticket holder at any time up to the final preparation of reservation chart, such ticket shall be treated as a reserved ticket and cancellation charges shall be payable in accordance with rules mentioned above.

CANCELLATION CHARGES ON MULTIPLE JOURNEY TICKETS :
With effect from 1st March 2000, when an unused ticket involving more than one journey is surrendered for cancellation, the entire ticket shall be treated as one single journey ticket and refund of fare of entire ticket shall be granted as per rules (1) and (2) above, according to the reservation status of the first lap of journey, i.e. if reservation status of first lap of journey is confirmed, refund shall be granted in accordance with the rule (1) and (2) above and if the reservation status of first lap of journey is RAC/Wait-list, refund shall be granted in accordance with the rule (1A) and (2A) above. The cancellation charges or clerkage charge as the case may be, shall be levied only once on the entire amount of the ticket, irrespective of the reservation status of different laps of journey, and not separately for each lap of journey.

REFUND ON PARTIALLY USED TICKETS :
For partially used tickets where a passenger terminates his journey enroute, a ticket deposit receipt shall be issued by the station master and the ticket holder may apply for refund to the chief commercial manager (Refunds) of the concerned railway.

REFUND DUE TO LATE RUNNING OF TRAINS :
No cancellation charge or clerkage shall be levied and full fare shall be refundable to all passengers holding Reserved, RAC, and Waitlisted tickets, if the journey is not undertaken due to late running of the train by more than 3 hours of the scheduled departure of the train from the journey commencing station provided that the ticket is surrendered upto the maximum time limits prescribed in clause (c) of sub-rule (1) of rule 6 .Which is given below:

Full refund will be permitted even after the departure of train in the event of train running more than 3 hours late and that the time limits will be up to 3 hours if the distance of the ticket is up to 200Kms., up to 6 hours if the distance of the ticket is 201-500 Kms. and up to 12 hours after the departure of the train if the distance of the ticket is more than 500 Kms.

REFUND OF TICKETS WHERE RAILWAY ADMINISTRATION IS UNABLE TO PROVIDE ACCOMMODATION :
Full refund of fares shall be granted in case the railway administration is not able to provide accommodation for any reason whatsoever to passengers holding reserved tickets, provided such tickets are cancelled within three hours of the actual departure of the trains.

In case a train is cancelled due to accidents, breaches or floods, the full refund of fare is granted within three days excluding the scheduled day of departure of the train.

REFUND IN CASE OF FAILURE OF AIR-CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT :
When the air-conditioning has not worked for a portion of the journey, the ref und for such portion of the journey is granted at the destination of the train on production of a certificate of the conductor /guard , if the ticket is presented within twenty hours of the arrival of the train as follows:

• In case of AC first class, the difference between the AC first class fare and first class mail fare.
• In case of AC 2 tier sleeper/AC 3 tier sleeper class, the difference between the AC 2 tier/AC 3 tier fare and the sleeper class mail /express fare.
• In case of AC chair car class the difference between the AC chair car class and second class mail/express fare.
• In case of Executive class ticket of Shatabdi trains, the difference between the notified executive class fare for the concerned section and first class mail/express fare for the concerned distance of that section.

REFUND IN CASE PASSENGERS ARE MADE TO TRAVEL IN A LOWER CLASS FOR WANT OF ACCOMMODATION :
If a ticket holder of higher class is made to travel in a lower class for want of accommodation in the class for which the ticket was issued, refund of difference between the fare paid and fare payable shall be granted at the destination station or the originating station as the case may be. The refund at the destination shall be granted only on the production of a certificate from the conductor/.guard/TTE and the ticket is presented within 2days of the date of issue of the certificate (excluding date of issue) of the arrival of the train at your destination To claim this refund passenger will have to submit ticket along with the certificate issued by te Traveling Ticket Examiner.

REFUND ON LOST/ MISPLACED TICKETS :
No refund is permissible against lost/misplaced tickets. However passenger will be allowed to travel on the reservation already made on confirmed one or RAC .If the loss of confirmed/RAC ticket is reported before the preparation of the reservation chart, duplicate ticket will be issued on the collection of the clerkage charge per passenger. If the loss of confirmed/RAC ticket is reported after the preparation of the reservation chart, duplicate ticket will be issued on the collection of the 50% of the fare . No duplicate ticket will be issued after the preparation of reservation chart in case of RAC ticket . Loss of tickets be reported to railways immediately to prevent fraudulent refunds on lost tickets.

ISSUE OF DUPLICATE TICKET IN LIEU OF TORN/MUTILATED TICKETS :
Duplicate ticket can be issued only in case of torn/mutilated confirmed/RAC tickets.

The duplicate ticket can be issued against torn/mutilated ticket if it is reported to the railway and the passenger can travel on the accommodation reserved by him, by making payment and getting a duplicate ticket as per following table :

A) Before the chart preparation
Under this rule the duplicate ticket (in lieu of lost/misplaced/torn/mutilated/reserved/RAC tickets) will be issued  before the preparation of the reservation chart, duplicate ticket will be issued on the collection of the clerkage charge per passenger.If the loss of confirmed/RAC ticket is reported after the preparation of the reservation chart, duplicate ticket will be issued on the collection of the 50% of the fare

Refund on torn/mutilated ticket is admissible on torn/mutilated if its genuineness and authenticity are verified on the basis of of particulars visible on the face of such ticket .subject to the deduction of cancellation charges as per rules, provided that the authenticity of such a ticket is verified at the station on the basis of particulars visible on the face of ticket.

NOTE :
1) No duplicate ticket against lost RAC ticket is permitted after the chart preparation.
2) No duplicate ticket is issued against Wait List lost/torn/mutilated tickets.

REFUND OF DUPLICATE TICKET :
If lost tickets are traced and presented along with the duplicate ticket before the departure of the train, refund is permitted for the duplicate ticket after deduction of 5% of the charges paid subject to a min. of Rs. 20/-. Thereafter, original ticket becomes valid for travel as well as refunds.

REFUND ON TICKETS PURCHASED ON CREDIT CARD :
Tickets purchased on credit cards can be cancelled and Credit Slip obtained only at such Railway Stations where Credit Card counters exist.

If you need to cancel your tickets at other stations, where such counters are not available, please cancel your reservation and obtain a Ticket Deposit Receipt. You can then apply to Chief Commercial Manager (Refunds) of the zone, to which the Ticket Deposit Receipt - issuing station belongs.

REFUND ON TATKAL TICKET :
 No refund will be granted on cancellation of confirmed Tatkal tickets/duplicate tatkal ticket except in case of circumstances mentioned in para 2 of instructions contained in Commercial Circular no. 53 of 2006 issued vide letter no. 2006/TGII/ 20/P/Tatkal, dated 30.06.2006. However, full refund of fare and tatkal charges will be granted on the tickets booked under Tatkal scheme in the following circumstances :-

• If the train is delayed by more than 3 hours at the journey originating point of the passenger & not the boarding point if the passenger's journey originating point and boarding point are different.
• If the train is to run on a diverted route and passenger is not willing to travel.
• If the train is to run on diverted route and boarding station or the destination or both the stations are not on the diverted route.
• In case of non attachment of coach in which Tatkal accommodation has been earmarked and the passenger has not been provided  accommodation in the same class.
• If the party has been accommodated in lower class and does not want to travel. In case the party travels in lower class, the passenger will be given refund of difference of fare and also the difference of Tatkal charges, if any.

Lost your train ticket ? Duplicate ticket with PNR number

Are you often worried about the loss of train ticket..!
Don’t be panic, you can get a duplicate train ticket on paying some amount of charges(Clerkage charges per passenger-Rs.20) on your ticket. But you can’t get any refund on your ticket.
First thing you need to do is to inform railway reservation office about the loss of ticket to prevent fraudulent refunds on your ticket.
Please look in to the below conditions.

1. .If the lost ticket is a PRS(Passenger Reservation System) counter ticket, visit any nearest computerized reservation counter and contact the Chief Reservation Supervisor(CRS) and inform him that you have lost your ticket. Here you need to show your ID Proof.He will issue a new ticket with PNR Number (duplicate ticket) only if your ticket is confirmed or in RAC.
2. .Anyhow if the lost ticket is an E-ticket booked through IRCTC website, you can take your ticket print as many you want by simply login to the irctc.co.in website. Once you login , go to booked history page and by using PNR number , you can take printout of your ticket.

Charges for issue of duplicate ticket before chart preparation:
if your ticket is confirmed or in RAC

• 25% of total fare will be deducted as charges in case if your journey is up to 500km.
• 10% of total fare in case if your journey is more than 500km subject to a minimum of 25% of total fare.
• For Rajdhani, Shatabdi Express trains 25% of total fare will be deducted as charges irrespective of distance as they have separate fare structure.

This 10% or 25% of fare collected will be refunded from the counters at destination stations after completion of your journey.
Charges for issue of duplicate ticket after chart preparation:

• 50% of total fare will be deducted as charges.
• No duplicate ticket will be issued in case of lost RAC tickets.
• No duplicate ticket is issued against Wait List lost/torn/mutilated tickets.

If your lost train ticket is found, and if you submit this original ticket along with the duplicate before the departure of the train,you will get the amount refunded on your duplicate ticket after deduction of 5% of the charges paid subject to a min. of Rs. 20/-.

If your ticket is torn or destroyed,and it was a Confirmed one or RAC, if you submit it after the preparation of chart ,a duplicate ticket will be issued on collection of 25% of the fare.

If your ticket is torn or destroyed ticket,and it was a Confirmed one or RAC,  if you submit it  before chart preparation,charges are same as applicable for issue of duplicate ticket in case of the lost/misplaced ticket and duplicate ticket is issued if the reason is genuine and it is verified based on the particulars available on the ticket.

If your ticket is torn or misplaced or destroyed in the train, and if you have paid excess charges in train,then submit an application to the Railway Administration for refund of the charges.After making necessary enquiry, the Chief Commercial Manager of Zonal Railway will provide refund of total charge after discarding the cancellation charge at 50% on a single journey ticket per passenger provided that no one has taken refund earlier on the original ticket.

So, I suggest you e-tickets are the best option these days  because even if you have lost the train ticket, no need to worry,  you can easily get another copy immediately.

Rail budget 2013: Fuel surcharge on train tickets in the offing

With the recent hike in diesel prices putting an additional burden of Rs 3,300 crore on Railways, the PSU behemoth is considering to further increase passenger fares or raise freight charges.

Among various options, Railways is contemplating whether to introduce fuel adjustment component in the fare structure to increase fares in all classes or hike.

The ministry, which is in the process of finalising the Rail Budget 2013-14 to be presented on February 26, is likely to raise catering charges in premier trains like Rajdhani, Duronto and Shatabdi, which will be part of the fare.

Railways is already reeling under deficit of Rs 25,000 crore in the passenger segment.

It has hiked passenger fares by 21 per cent from December 22, aiming to mop up Rs 6,600 crore in a year, but the diesel price hike of Rs 10.8 per litre has put additional burden of Rs 3,300 crore annually.

Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal did not rule out another hike when he was asked about it a few days ago.

"We have to form our view on this (increasing rail fare) within next few days. We are working on it," Bansal said. "Wait for 16/17 days," he had said when pressed if the fare hike was in the offing.

Bansal has met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Finance Minister P Chidambaram to discuss how the financial burden on Railways could be neutralised.

As far as freight rate is concerned, Railways had increased it by 20 per cent in March 7 last year with a target of additional earning of Rs 18,000 crore annually.

"Though revising the freight rate is an option but we do not want to outprice ourselves by increasing freight charges further as we have to offer competitive tariff to remain in the market," a Railway source said.

Railways aims to divert goods transportation from roads to rail by offering attractive rates as currently the national transporter has only 36 per cent market share as compared to about 50 per cent in the US and China.

Burdened with increased diesel cost and a large number of pending projects, Railways has sought Rs 38,000 crore as general budgetary support from the Finance Ministry for fiscal 2013-14.

"We have sought Rs 38,000 crore as budgetary support in the 2013-14 Rail Budget," a senior Railway Ministry official said.

Railways had received Rs 24,000 crore from the Finance Ministry as support in the current fiscal.

"Funds are required for laying new lines, development of stations and for ongoing projects," the official said, adding that, "Fare is one source but funds can be garnered from other non-traffic avenues which we are also exploring."

Railways has 43,000 hectares of vacant land which it is trying to use for commercial purpose.

Passenger fares were hiked across the board on December 22 after 10 years as successive Railway Ministers had not touched them for a decade.

"There are 347 rail projects worth Rs 1.47 lakh crore pending and we are planning to complete some of these works in the next fiscal," the official said.

Besides, Railways expect to generate Rs 7,000 crore revenue from internal generation and Rs 18,000 crore from market borrowing next financial year.

"Certain pending projects involving laying of new lines as last-mile connectivity are being identified and we want to complete them," he said.

Railways plans to invest Rs 5 lakh crore in capacity addition during the 12th Five-Year Plan (2012-17).

SHOPPING SERVICES IN EXPRESS TRAINS :: KONKAN RAILWAY

Now on wards we can enjoy the On-Board Shopping Services in Trains also.As a step to this Konkan Railway inaugurated On-Board Shopping Service on 14th February 2013.Our Konkan Railway launch this unique experience for rail passengers.Passengers can enjoy this On-Board Shopping Services in Konkankany and Mandovi  Express Trains. It is a part of giving better services to the customer.

On-Board Shopping Services is provided up till now only by Air Travelers or through E-Shopping.The Service provides attractive and utility products for sale to passengers travelling by Konkan Railway. So passengers can also enjoy the pleasure of feeling the products and shopping right at their place of seat whilst their journey.

M/S Ava Merchandising Solutions Pvt Ltd. is authorized to sell various products at most discounted and competitive rates to the passengers. The items shall be vended during day time of journey between Mangaon and Madgaon stations. Following are the items.

• Lifestyle watches for ladies and gents
• Portable music system
• Neck band MP3 player 
• Designer Jewellery set 
• Ladies Clutches and Handbags
• Multi Media Speakers
• Spy Pen with video recorder
• Portable Battery Pack
• Car Inverter
• Sun Glasses 
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CATERING COMPLAINT : : WESTEREN RAILWAY

Western Railway announced CATERING COMPLAINT No. SMS facility and Mail facility for the convenience of railway passengers. Passengers can register their complaints through SMS or can make a call to the Toll Free Number introduced by Western Railway and Central Monitoring Cell (CMC) or can send mail regarding catering services of the railway stations and running trains.

TOLL FREE NUMBER AND E-MAIL ID
Toll Free Number :: 9004441955 and 1800-111-321
E-MAIL ID :: cateringcomplaint@wr.railnet.gov.in  

The facility is available all seven days from 07.00 hrs to 22.00 hrs.

Rail users can register their complaints in Complaint books available with Station Masters, Catering Stalls and Pantry Car Managers.
We will be able to see the toll free no.below the reserved tickets and posters at stations.

22 dead, many injured in stampede at Allahabad railway station

Twenty-two people have died in a stampede at the Allahabad Railway station. The toll, however, may go up with several of the injured in critical condition. They have been admitted to the Swaroop Rani Hospital and the Railway Hospital in Allahabad.

The stampede happened at around 7 pm on a footbridge between platform number 5 and 6 of the railway station. There were lakhs of people at the station, many on their way back from Allahabad after a holy dip in the Ganga at the Maha Kumbh Mela; Sunday was 'Mauni Amavasya', considered the most auspicious day of bathing during the 12-yearly congregation.  

According to eyewitnesses, the stampede happened after the police lathi-charged to control the crowd. Divisional Railway Manager Harinder Rao, however, claimed that people were not lathi-charged and the police only attempted to regulate the movement of the crowd by asking passengers to stand in line. A police officer said an estimated 4,000 people were present at one single point at the site of the stampede.

The relatives of the victims have complained that the authorities took more than two hours to act after the incident. They say there was only one doctor at the station attending to several people who were injured in the stampede. (Watch: No help for hours, say eyewitnesses)

Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal, who is on his way to Allahabad, said, "Our officials reached late. There was a lot of traffic." 

The Uttar Pradesh government has ordered an inquiry into the stampede and sanctioned an ex-gratia of Rs. five lakh each to the families of the dead. (Read)


The UP government has also asked the Railways to make proper arrangements to clear the huge rush of devotees. Over three crore people were at the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad on Sunday to take a holy dip. 49 special trains were put in place for them in addition to the 112 regular trains that pass through Allahabad daily.

Two people were killed at a stampede at the mela earlier in the day.

Helpline numbers: 05321072, 2408149, 011-23341074, 011-24357660