The Hindu Business Line : Rlys to hike `Tatkal' charges

THE Ministry of Railways has decided to increase the charges for seeking reservation through the `Tatkal Scheme' and extend the scheme to all mail and express trains from November 15 this year.

The revised Tatkal charges have been divided into peak and non-peak season rates.

The peak rates, which are pegged higher than the non-peak rates, will be applicable for 10 months from September 15 to July 15. Whereas, the non-peak season rates will be applicable for two months from July 15 to September 15.

In the peak season, the per berth reservation charges in 2AC will go up from Rs 200 to Rs 300, while in 3AC, the charges will be Rs 300 per berth, up from Rs 150. In the AC chair car, the charges will be increased from Rs 50 to Rs 150, and in the sleeper class from Rs 50 to Rs 150. During the non-peak season, the charges for 2AC and 3AC have been pegged at Rs 200 per berth, and Rs 75 for the AC chair car and the sleeper class.

There will be a Tatkal quota in each train in 2AC, 3AC, AC chair car and sleeper classes. In each 2AC coach, there will be four berths under the quota, six berths per coach in 3AC, six seats per coach in the AC chair car and 10 per cent of the total accommodation, equivalent to one coach, in the sleeper class.

The unutilised Tatkal quota will be shifted to the waitlisted passengers.

The booking for Tatkal reservations in all the computerised passenger reservation system will commence on November 14 for journeys beginning on November 15 at the originating point, an official release said here.

Zonal Railways have been directed to take necessary action for implementing the Tatkal quota.