Train fare for Konkan surges due to demand

The recent 25% cap on waitlisted (WL) train tickets for all classes has pushed up dynamic pricing in long-distance trains to Konkan from Mumbai.

- Shashank Rao

MUMBAI: The demand for Konkan-bound trains usually shoots up before the Ganpati festival.

According to sources, a few trains departing from LTT, Panvel, Kalyan and Vasai just before the festival have provided an option of surge fares ranging from 120% to a whopping 260% of the actual fare against a confirmed ticket (see box). This has also given a thrust to the need to extend the cap on WL tickets from the recent flat 25% to 30-60% depending on the coach class.

An internal communication issued by the Railway Board to the zonal railways on June 28, stated, "It has been decided that the maximum current waiting list limits will be revised to 60% and 30% of the redefined capacity of each class available at originating as well as roadside stations for air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned classes respectively."

However, senior railway officials told HT on June 30 that this revision had not been implemented and was still being mulled upon.