PUNE: Passengers from Pune travelling through Shatabdi and Intercity for Secunderabad and Mumbai are upset as the railways had announced up to 25 per cent discount on Shatabdi Express, Tejas and Gatimaan Express train fares. 

However, the discount would not be applicable for Pune passengers as Shatabdi Express and Intercity are fully occupied here.

The Ministry of Railways had issued a circular on August 27 which stated that “The scheme shall be applicable for all trains with AC chair car and executive chair car accommodation like Shatabdi, Gatimaan, Tejas, Double Decker, Intercity trains etc. with monthly occupancy less than 50 per cent in the previous year.’’

As far as Pune railway division is concerned, the Shatabdi Express train runs between Pune and Secunderabad, while Intercity runs between Pune and Mumbai.

A senior officer of the railway said on condition of anonymity, “The discount of up to 25 per cent will not be applicable in these trains. The circular has already mentioned that if the trains with monthly occupancy less than 50 per cent in the previous year are eligible for a discount. However, both the trains, Shatabdi and Intercity are running with full occupancy.”

Shekhar Gavli, a regular passenger of Shatabdi Express, was disappointed after hearing the news that he will not get 25 per cent discount. 

“I had booked my ticket for Secunderabad during the off season. The railways should not take a decision without consulting other divisions. If the train is running full, why did they announce these discounts?” he said.

THE INDIAN RAILWAYS SCHEME
- As per railways, 25 per cent discount  be applicable for all trains with AC chair car and executive chair car accommodation like Shatabdi, Tejas, Intercity trains etc. with monthly occupancy less than 50 per cent in previous year.
- However, both the trains, Shatabdi and Intercity are running with full occupancy from Pune.