The introduction of the 'premium' concept in tatkal booking has brought about a change that would have been unthinkable till a few days ago — vacant seats in trains till the time of departure.
The total number of tickets under the tatkal premium scheme is 25 for 2AC and 18 for 3AC. So the other half of seats in the tatkal category will be sold at regular prices.
Which trains have gone empty?
The Mumbai-Delhi Rajdhani Express left Mumbai Central on Thursday with four seats each empty in 2AC and 3AC compartments.
The Mumbai-Delhi August Kranti, which left on Thursday, had seven of its 25 2AC seats (28%) and 12 of its 18 3AC seats — a sizable 66% — vacant. This, officials said, was all the more stunning because this is the week ahead of Diwali when rush by travellers is at its peak.
What does WR data show?
Western Railway data shows that over the past fortnight, almost all trains with premium tatkal schemes have departed with a few seats vacant. The prices of premium tatkal tickets have been 60-70% more than base price, said officials.
Scheme a pass or fail?
Officials, as of now, are refusing to get into a debate on whether these vacant seats point to the scheme's failure. "Firstly, the premium tatkal concept is new and not many people might be knowing about it. Secondly, the high prices may have put off journeys that are not absolutely necessary. It is still early days," said a senior WR official.
The railways, however, is pointing at another aspect of the scheme — availability of tickets till the last minute. Officials say it is helpful for those who have to make an unavoidable journey and are willing to pay a high price by railway standards but not the "stratospheric levels" of last-minute airline ticket prices.
Railways stands by the concept
Speaking to dna, WR's chief spokesperson Sharat Chandrayan said, "This concept is enabling last-minute travellers, who are willing to pay a premium for the urgency, to travel. Moreover, it is a transparent system that has nullified the touts. The scheme is bound to do well."
Meanwhile, the railway ministry too is gung-ho about the scheme and recently brought in more trains under it. Officials said in the months to come, almost all the high-patronage trains in the country will be brought under the scheme.
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