NEW DELHI: Trivedi announced five focus areas and an intention to rationalise fares in multiples of five. “By way of example, a fare of 11 will become 10 and 6 will become 5. The minimum fare chargeable and the platform ticket will now be 5,” Trivedi said.
Passenger Amenities
Allocation to improve passenger amenities has been increased from `762 crore in 2011-12 to 1,102 crore in 2012-13. 50 new escalators will be provided for at important stations in the coming fiscal year.
SMS on passenger mobile phone will be enough proof of valid reservation Introduction of regional cuisine at affordable rates through catering service to cater to local palate; To meet the needs of changing times and customer demand, launching of “Book-a-meal” scheme to provide multiple choice of meals, like low cost meal, diabetic meal etc. through SMS or email; To set up AC Executive lounges at important stations to provide value added services at a charge, offering facilties such as wifi internet, buffet services, wash and change, concierge services for pre-departure and post-arrival assistance to passengers; Introduction of Alternate Train Accommodation System (ATAS) as a pilot project to accommodate waitlisted passenger on alternate trains; New Initiatives Several green initiatives along with three high speed trains with one of them in Kerala between Thiruvananthapuram to Kasargod has been proposed.
The minister also proposed to recruit I lakh people in the coming financial year to fill all vacancies across technical and non-technical posts in Indian Railways.