The Indian Railways has planned to roll out 806 new air-conditioned three-tier economy coaches this fiscal, either by this year or at the beginning of next year. And in order to give the rail passengers the best travel experience at the cheapest price, Railways would be offering tickets at much reduced price.
The fare of its new AC 3-tier economy class coaches will be 8% less than the existing 3AC coaches. This fare is 2.4 times the base price of existing sleeper class of mail and express trains, and 50 such coaches have already been given to different zonal railways.
As per reports, these coaches will be attached in existing mail express trains; and will replace sleeper class coaches in trains which are running with maximum length. The base fare of Rs 440 for up to 300 km is the lowest according to the distance, while the highest base fare is Rs 3,065 for 4,951 to 5,000 km.
The newly introduced 3AC economy mail/express/superfast coaches will have normal child fare rules as applicable for existing 3AC coaches of mail/express trains. Concession or free complimentary passes shall be at par with the existing 3AC coaches of mail/express trains, said sources in Railway.
Similarly, the eligibility of privilege pass/PTO for railway employees shall be at par with the eligibility in 3AC coaches of mail/express trains. The cancellation and refund rules and all other terms and conditions of travel will also be at par with the existing 3AC to CC class.
The new 3AC economy class coaches will have 83 berths as against 72 in the regular 3AC coaches – which is an increase of 15 per cent.