Lalu lines up plans for common man

Railway Minister Lalu Prasad on Thursday announced a series of passenger-friendly measures, including a proposal for Re 1 cut in the second class fares, scheme for upgrade to higher class and facility for the waitlisted passengers to change date, time and class of their journey four hours before departure.

Replying to the supplementary demand for grants in the Lok Sabha, Prasad announced revival of the capital fund and constitution of a Railways-industry co-ordination committee. The capital fund ceased to exist in 1997-98, when the Railways was facing a resource crunch.

Prasad added that the Railways had a reserve of Rs 7,800 crore and was in position to pay its deferred dividend liability this year itself. The Railways has a liability of about Rs 1,800 crore in addition to its annual dividend liability. It had projected payment of Rs 300 crore of its deferred liability during the current year.

The ticket price cut would be applicable for second class for all passenger, mail and express trains, Prasad said. Under the upgrade scheme, someone travelling in a lower class would get a berth in higher class. The whole process would be completely computerised and passengers would get to know of their status four hours before the departure.

A Railways-industry co-ordination committee would be set up, Prasad told the Lok Sabha. The committee would comprise premium customers with more than Rs 100 crore business with the Railways and representatives from industry chambers like Assocham, Ficci and CII.

ON TRACT

Re 1 cut in second class fares

Option to switch over to higher class for waitlisted passengers

Facility for waitlisted passengers to change date, time and class of their journey four hours before departure