Covid-19 special trains will be phased out because of a prolonged drop in new infections in the country.
The Indian Railways said on Friday that the “special” tag for mail and express trains will be phased out and ticket costs will revert to pre-pandemic levels with immediate effect.
No Special Trains From Now!
Railways have been running only special trains ever since the coronavirus pandemic started. Doesn’t matter if it’s a long-distance train or short-distance, almost all the trains were tagged as special trains. The special trains had higher fares than the normal ones to stop people from travelling unnecessarily.
The Railway Board has decided to reinstate the number, rate, and category of regular timetabled trains that are now operating as Mail/Express Special and Holiday Special owing to the Covid-19 epidemic, according to a circular published by the ministry.
“Ministry of Railways have decided that all regular Time Tabled Trains which are presently operating as MSPC % HSP train services, including in the working Times Table, 2021, shall be operated with the regular number and with fare and categorisation as applicable,”
The circular reads.
According To The Circular
So if you have bookings in advance, the railway is not going to charge any difference in fares on tickets already purchased in advance. Also, no refunds will be given either according to the Board
Also, CRIS has to update the necessary software adjustments for train bookings and services. The zonal railway will be responsible to provide the details to all affected workers well in advance.
“Second class of such trains shall continue to run as reserved except any relaxation permitted in a special case,”
The circular said.