Contrary to expectations, the revised fare structure under the ‘Tatkal’ scheme of the railways has given a boost to the ticketing earnings of the railways.
A senior official at the ministry said, “We reduced Tatkal charges to 10 per cent of basic fare for second class and 30 per cent of basic fare for all other classes, subject to minimum and maximum rates, with effect from October this year. There had been speculation that our earnings would decline. However, we have seen positive revenue growth since that time.”
Data available with the ministry show that in the first two months of the operation of the scheme, due to reduction in charges, per passenger Tatkal earnings have declined to Rs 123.47 from the earlier average of Rs 175.17 – a drop of nearly 42 per cent. However, total Tatkal earnings have increased to Rs 380 crore (between October 1 and November 23) from Rs 365 crore collected during the corresponding period last year.
One of the factors here is the decision to issue tatkal tickets for the actual distance of travel. The same Tatkal berth is now offered for bookings for multiple legs of the journey. In AC-II class, for instance, this measure has led to 107 per cent utilisation of the available Tatkal accommodation.
Interestingly, the official added, “Tatkal utilisation has shown remarkable growth. Of the total accommodation available under the quota, 97 per cent has been availed of under the new scheme, as against the earlier 79 per cent.”
Dynamic allotment of tatkal accommodation in different classes on trains have ensured an evening-out of the impact of lower Tatkal charges on the passenger earnings of the railways. For classes in which utilisation is more, as in AC-III, accommodation has been increased by 0.16 million berths. While in the II-sleeper class, where utilisation is roughly 55 per cent , Tatkal reservation has been decreased by 0.12 million berths.