CHENNAI: Breaking the conventions to increase revenue sources, the railways have decided to allow private persons to use luxury saloon coaches for travel, which have so far been used by top railway officials for inspection and official tours.The saloon coaches sport swanky look with multi-coloured curtains on the widows with a bigger view, two bedrooms, lounge space, water heater in modular toilet, dining table, fans and chairs.Saloon coaches were used by the British emperors in India since early 1880s. After Independence, they were used by top railway officials in the ranks of divisional railway managers and above, zonal general managers and rail-road committee members for official purpose.
For the first time in India, the saloon coaches are made available to private persons.
To this effect, the Railway Board recently issued a circular stating that passengers can only book a coach or train or a saloon on demand for full tariff rate (FTR) through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).Though the railways have introduced commercial booking of coaches and trains for passengers for spiritual tours or marriages, they are allowed to avail of only coaches in the existing trains or can book a new train, subject to the minimum of 10 coaches and maximum of 18 coaches.
“Now anyone can avail of saloon coaches through the IRCTC. We are awaiting further details, including security deposit to be collected per coach, number of persons permitted for travel and other criteria,” said a senior official of the IRCTC.The decision has surprised a section of railway officials as the saloons are used by political leaders, including Chief Ministers, Union Ministers and other top officials.
“In Tamil Nadu, former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi used the saloon car multiple times, when he travelled to Tiruvarur and other parts of the State in the past. On a few occasions, top leaders, including Governors and former Governors, used it. We are yet to get any instructions on renting saloons to private persons,” said a senior official of the Southern Railway.Those who wish to book a coach or train for tour or family functions can register six months at the most and till 30 days prior to the journey date. The IRCTC will now allot the coaches through single window clearance.
Currently, booking coaches or trains is a cumbersome process as the passengers have to first submit a request to the chief transport planning manager of the zone through the chief booking supervisor. After deposing money, they would be given a receipt with unique FTR number. Then again, they need to get the letters from the station managers.The Railway Board has made the entire procedure online and those who wish to book a coach, train or saloon should contact the IRCTC regional office for booking coaches, said the official order.