Regular passengers traveling between Bengaluru and Mysuru are up in arms over what they call exorbitant ticket prices on a specific train service. The focus of their discontent is the Tuticorin–Mysuru Special train, numbered 06284.
What Are the Complaints About?
Travelers have highlighted that the fares for the relatively short hop between Bengaluru and Mysuru are surprisingly high. For a journey covering approximately 140 kilometers, which takes about two hours and twenty-five minutes, the Railways is charging Rs 1,455 for AC 2-Tier (2A) and Rs 1,060 for AC 3-Tier (3A).
Frequent commuters argue that these rates are substantially more expensive compared to regular trains operating on the same popular route. This price difference, they say, makes the special train service unaffordable for those who need to travel between the two Karnataka cities regularly.
Railways' Defence of the Pricing Policy
In response to the criticism, the South Western Railway (SWR) has clarified its stance on the fare structure. A senior SWR official explained that special trains, like the Tuticorin–Mysuru Special, operate under a different pricing model than regular scheduled services.
The official stated that these on-demand services are primarily intended for long-distance passengers. Consequently, they carry a minimum fare that is applicable for a distance of 500 kilometers. "Even if commuters book tickets for shorter distances, the minimum fare is charged. This is standard practice for special trains operated during the festive season," the official elaborated.
The Core Issue for Commuters
The heart of the problem lies in the clash between the operational rules for special trains and the needs of short-distance passengers. While the Railways applies a blanket rule to simplify pricing for seasonal and special services, it inadvertently prices out passengers looking for a convenient option on a shorter segment of the long route.
This situation forces daily or weekly commuters to choose between paying a premium for the special train or opting for other, potentially more crowded, regular trains with lower fares. The debate underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing logistical efficiency with passenger affordability on India's vast railway network.
