Railways to soon launch tatkal special trains to cash in on rush

NEW DELHI: Looking to cash in on the rush for tickets during busy seasons, Railways will soon launch its ' Tatkal Special' train service, travelling on which will be dearer than on normal trains.

The cash-strapped public transporter will make special trains on tatkal fares operational for certain busy routes, said a senior Railway ministry official.

While 'Premium' trains -- tickets for which are priced as per a dynamic fare structure -- are already operational, the Tatkal Special trains will be an additional service to cater to the rush.

A passenger would have to dole out more for a Tatkal service ticket as the rates for these are higher than the normal fare by anything in the range of Rs 175 and Rs 400.

The Tatkal rate is 10 per cent of the basic fare for the Second class and 30 per cent of the basic fare for all other classes, including AC category, said the official.

However, while tickets may only be booked online for the Premium trains, Tatkal Special tickets will be available both at railway ticket counters and online.

Railways has also relaxed the advance reservation period for Tatkal Special trains.

Currently, a Tatkal ticket can be booked no more than 24 hours before the journey. But for a Tatkal Special train, advance reservation period is of a minimum 10 days and maximum 60 days.

"The software for Tatkal Special ticketing system is being developed by CRIS. Once that is ready, Tatkal Special trains will be launched on select routes," the official said.

A host of special trains are pressed into service during festive periods while additional trains are also run to clear the rush during the holiday season.

But these special trains operate as per a normal fare structure while Tatkal fares will be applicable for the Tatkal Special trains, he said.

No concessional fare will be allowed on Tatkal Special trains and, also, there will be no Tatkal quota on these trains since the entire service charges Tatkal fares.