Suvidha trains see 100 per cent occupancy

Chennai: Suvidha trains in Southern Railway have registered an average occupancy of 100 per cent from August 2015 to April 2016, according to railway statistics.

Prior to introduction of Suvidha trains, premium trains were operated that would see fare increase till a ceiling limit based on demand. When Suvidha trains were introduced last year, it was keeping in mind the early bird incentive and a cap was introduced on maximum pricing, said an official. “Prices of 2AC in Suvidha trains in certain sectors are comparable to air prices but these trains are introduced depending on peak demands that is beyond the capacity of Southern Railway to cater to,” a senior official said.

The official added that while sleeper class see relatively high demand with 70-80% berth occupancy, the last 20 per cent of AC 2-tier may not get sold as some sectors have fares comparable to air fares. “But high demands for sleepers and seat upgradation fill up the berths, thus registering about 100% of occupancy.”

Commuters like V. R. Rao however feel that Suvidha trains can not be used by all sections of people. “AC 2 tier in Suvidha costs around '4000. However, flight tickets cost only around '2000. Private bus operators rip people off especially during peak seasons, a government body should not do that. Public opinion should be taken before setting such pricing,” he added.

The Suvidha trains are run to cater to high demands. So the rush may be seen in one direction but not so much in return direction. “Specials like these are only about two per cent of the trains run,” said an official talking about the pricing not matching passengers’ needs. “So if there are no takers at Suvidha prices, the remaining trains are still there.”