No entry to waitlisted travellers in 2nd class sleeper bogies

 

 

Woes of common travellers has increased manifold with kicking of new changes in rail travel wherein now waitlisted passengers cannot enter even in second class sleeper bogies. The new rule came into effect from May 1 onwards. The move is aimed at reducing crowding in reserved compartments. As per data, majority of countrymen travel in economy class, either in unreserved bogies or sleeper class. But last summer, in aftermath of increase in number of air-conditioned bogies, led to sudden surge in sleeper class. The circulation of pictures on on-ine and media and complaints to discomfort led to enforcement of new rules as to restricting entry of travellers whose tickets were not confirmed. Now as per rule, the waitlisted passengers will have to travel in unreserved compartments. In case any waitlisted passenger is noticed in reserved sleeper bogies, they will treated as travelling without ticket and will pay hefty fine and would be liable to be escorted out.

 

The move is however going to cause quite discomfort to travellers as most of the countrymen still do not have deep pockets to afford travelling in air-conditioned bogies. The ticket fare difference is quite hefty and when one travels with family the financial burden can be very hefty. Therefore, the Railways’ move to cut down number of second sleeper class bogies and increase 3AC is going to put the ordinary travellers in fix. Though to ensure that there is no overcrowding in general compartments, Railways are pro-actively running special trains no noticing surplus ticket sales on the busy routes. From time to time for the waitlisted passengers, such special trains are run.

 

Though the move is quite good and would ensure that travellers who prefer to travel in second sleeper are not left out of system, there is a catch. These special trains are run on special fares, means here Railways is taking advantage of helplessness of travellers, said Basant Shukla, Secretary, BYK. Another disadvantage with special trains is that since they are not part of time table, there is no guarantee their punctuality will be maintained. So even after paying hefty fare, travellers are left to fend for themselves as such special trains do not get priority due to congestion on tracks. Similarly, the new reservation rule too has started from May 1, as to reduction in time period of advance reservation period from 120 days to 60 days. Now travellers need not have to plan their journey four months in advance. The two month advance period is quite sufficient and ensures railway to have fair idea and that way they can deploy their services accordingly.