CHENNAI: The Ministry of Railways has done away with premium trains and replaced them with Suvidha trains, the first of which in Southern Railway was announced on Thursday.
The ‘Suvidha’ special trains are aimed at meeting the demand for travel on popular routes, and the Southern Railway will run these special trains.
Chennai Egmore-Tirunelveli on August 14, from Tirunelveli-Chennai Egmore on August 16, 23 and 30. From Chennai Central-Ernakulam Junction on August 14 and from Ernakulam-Chennai Central on August 16, 23 and 30.
The composition of the trains will be AC 2-tier - 1, AC 3-tier - 1, Sleeper Class - 12 and Luggage-cum-brake van - 2 coaches.
Advance reservations for these trains will begin from July 17. Tickets for these trains can be booked over the counter and also online. Cancellation of tickets is permitted.
According to officials, Suvidha special trains have a minimum fare equivalent to tatkal fares and would increase after every 20 per cent of seats/berths in a train was booked, subject to a maximum of three times the tatkal fares.
Only confirmed and RAC tickets will be issued for Suvidha trains which will have no waiting lists. Advance reservation period is a maximum of 30 days and a minimum 10 days.
Fifty per cent of the fare would be refunded up to 6 hours before the scheduled departure of the train or preparation of chart in case of ticket cancellation. In case the train is cancelled, full refund will be given.