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In a significant move by the Indian Railways, passengers have been granted a considerable respite with the announcement of reduced ticket prices for 'Express Specials' trains. This development is particularly beneficial for daily commuters who have faced increased fares since the pandemic. Starting February 27, the fares for Second Class Ordinary on trains, now operating under the names 'Express Specials' or 'MEMU/DEMU Express,’ will revert to their pre-COVID levels.
Following the recent update, Ordinary Class fares have seen a reduction by about 50% on all Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) trains and those with service numbers beginning with 'Zero’. This fare adjustment extends across the country to all trains formerly recognized as Passenger Trains but currently functioning as 'Express Special' or MEMU trains. The Economic Times noted that the Railways had previously eliminated 'Passenger Trains’ and raised the minimum ticket cost from Rs 10 to Rs 30, matching the pricing with Express Train fares.
Further modifications have been undertaken in the fare structure within the Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS) App to accommodate this fare reduction initiative. This shift comes after the end of the 'Passenger Train’ era, where commuters, particularly small vendors, daily wage workers, and other low-income travellers, were paying twice the fare for the same slow-moving trains. The Principal Chief Commercial Managers of Zonal Railways have executed system changes in line with the General Managers' directives to adjust the 'Ordinary Class’ fares.
The fare increase during the Covid-19 pandemic was a strategy by the national transporter to deter non-essential travel and minimize crowding in trains as a preventive measure against the spread of Covid-19. “Covid is still around and, in fact, worsening in some States. Visitors from many States are being subjected to screening in other areas and are discouraged from travel. A slightly higher price is to be seen as a proactive measure of Railways to prevent crowding in trains and stop Covid from spreading,” the Ministry of Railways stated in an earlier release.
This fare reduction marks a critical step towards alleviating the financial burden on daily commuters and enhancing accessibility to railway services across the country. The Indian Railways continues to adapt its policies in response to the evolving pandemic situation, prioritizing passenger welfare and safety.
