Half of the tatkal tickets on 80 trains have become costlier with the Railways deciding to partially implement the dynamic fare system under which charges will depend on demand.
The decision, clearly aimed at mopping up more revenues by the cash-strapped Railways, comes in the midst of festival season when there is a big rush of travellers.
“It has been decided that 50 per cent of the existing tatkal quota ticket shall be sold under dynamic fare scheme,” said a senior Railway Ministry official on Thursday.
The official told Deccan Herald that the scheme has already been introduced in 10 trains from October 1. At least 70 more trains will come under the scheme in a week.
As per the scheme, 50 per cent of tatkal quota tickets would be sold under the existing system and the subsequent 50 per cent under “premium tatkal” quota of dynamic pricing.
It will mean more the demand, more the cost.
Railway Board Member (Traffic) D P Pandey said: “The premium tatkal ticket scheme has been launched for 80 popular trains. All zones have been asked to identify five popular trains in their respective zone.
“We will see the response and then we will decide on extending the scheme to other trains.”