The Railways has announced discontinuation of dynamic fares in trains with average monthly occupancy less than 50 per cent throughout the previous year. There are 15 such trains.

It has also decided to stop the flexi-fare regime in the lean months of February, March and August in trains with average monthly occupancy 50-75 per cent through the previous year. This will be applicable to 32 trains. It has also lowered the maximum fare limit — from 1.5 times to 1.4 times, in all classes.

To increase the occupancy in AC — two/three-tier and chair-car segments — it has introduced a graded discount of 20 per cent on all trains that have flexifares. Also, a 20 per cent discount will be offered for Humsafar Trains where occupancy of a particular class is less than 60 per cent.

Big revenue

The 20 per cent discount will be offered four days prior to the scheduled departure of the train. The Flexi-fare Scheme, launched with effect from 9 September, 2016, generated high revenue. Further, to rationalise the fares, an eight-member committee was formed to review the scheme and make it more passenger-friendly. The review of the scheme has been done based on the recommendation of the committee, a Comptroller and Auditor General’s report, and representations from passengers.