With the dip in Covid-19 cases and easing of restrictions, Indian Railways is gearing up to restart normal services of passenger trains from September. The new timetable and fare policy, which were put on hold due to the pandemic, are expected to be released in October. However, the decision to resume unreserved passenger trains will depend on the requests from states and footfall of passengers. In a positive move, the fare policy is also expected to see a reduction in prices as the Railway plans to remove 'zero' from train numbers and base fares on pre-pandemic rates.
Indian Railways to Resume Normal Services and Revise Fare Policy
With the receding COVID-19 cases and relaxation of restrictions, Indian Railways is preparing to reinstate regular passenger train services from September. The new timetable and fare structure, suspended during the pandemic, are anticipated to be announced in October.
Background:
During the pandemic, Indian Railways faced a significant decline in passenger traffic, leading to revenue losses. To cope with this, the government introduced a special timetable and increased fares to offset operational costs. However, with the resumption of normal activities, these measures are no longer necessary.
Upcoming Changes:
The upcoming fare policy is expected to reduce prices as the Railways plans to:
Top 5 FAQs:
1. When will normal passenger train services resume? A: From September.
2. When will the new timetable and fare policy be released? A: In October.
3. Will unreserved passenger trains resume? A: The decision depends on requests from states and passenger footfall.
4. How much will fares be reduced? A: The specific reduction is yet to be announced, but prices are expected to decrease from current levels.
5. What other changes can we expect? A: The Railways may introduce new trains, upgrade existing ones with better amenities, and enhance the online booking and cancellation system.
Conclusion:
The resumption of normal passenger train services and the revision of the fare policy is a positive step for Indian Railways. The reduced fares will make train travel more affordable, attracting more passengers and boosting revenue. With the implementation of these measures, the Railways aims to regain its pre-pandemic momentum and continue providing essential transportation services to the nation.
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