Prayagraj: Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains Introduce 400km Minimum Fare Rule
Passengers planning to travel on the newly launched Vande Bharat sleeper trains will encounter a significant fare policy change. Indian Railways has mandated a minimum fare for a distance of 400 kilometers, regardless of the actual journey length. This means that even if a traveler covers only 100 km, they will be charged the base fare equivalent to 400 km. The railway authority clarified that reservations will not be available for trips shorter than this threshold, ensuring that all bookings adhere to the new pricing structure.
Digital Payment Priority and Quick Refund Mechanism
In a move to streamline operations and enhance passenger convenience, Indian Railways is prioritizing digital payments for booking the sleeper Vande Bharat trains. This initiative is specifically designed to facilitate quicker refunds. Should a passenger cancel their ticket for any reason, the refund amount will be credited back to their account within a swift 24-hour window. This policy aims to reduce delays and improve the overall travel experience for commuters.
Operational Details and Future Expansion Plans
The regular operation of the Howrah-Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is set to commence on January 22. This service follows the flag-off of the country's first sleeper Vande Bharat by Prime Minister Narendra Modi just two days ago. Looking ahead, railway sources indicate that another sleeper Vande Bharat train is likely to be introduced in the near future, potentially running from Delhi to Howrah and Guwahati via Prayagraj. This expansion is expected to significantly strengthen the city's long-distance connectivity, positioning Prayagraj as a key hub in the national rail network.
New Fare Chart and Passenger-Centric Rules
Simultaneously, the Railway Board has released a comprehensive fare chart for the new sleeper service. According to a letter issued on January 15 by Praveen Kumar, Director of Passenger Marketing, several new rules have been framed to ensure a smoother journey. Key highlights include:
- Fare Structure: For journeys up to 400 km, fares are fixed at Rs 960 for AC-3 tier, Rs 1,240 for AC-2 tier, and Rs 1,520 for First AC. For longer distances, such as 1,000 km, the rates increase to Rs 2,400, Rs 3,100, and Rs 3,800, respectively.
- Berth Allocation for Children: Children below 12 years of age traveling without a separate berth will be allotted only lower berths, subject to availability. This rule aims to prioritize safety and comfort for younger passengers.
- Senior Citizen and Women Preferences: The booking system will display all available berths at the time of reservation. Efforts will be made to automatically allocate lower berths to men above 60 years and women above 45 years, based on availability, ensuring easier access and convenience for these groups.
These measures collectively represent a strategic overhaul by Indian Railways to optimize the Vande Bharat sleeper train services, balancing fare policies with enhanced passenger amenities and operational efficiency.
