Latest news with #ThirdAC
India Today
04-06-2025
- Business
- India Today
Flying cheaper than rail? How India's air travel revolution is taking off
A quiet change has taken place in an economy wherein travelling by train has for generations offered budget travellers the means to move about. Flying has become in India, at times, even cheaper than the cost of a high-end train ticket, notes a report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Real airfares have plummeted by 25 per cent between 2011 and 2023, making the skies more accessible to thousands who used to regard air travel as numbers are striking. In peak season, the fare of Third AC train travel will be about Rs 3,000-Rs 3,500 from Delhi to Mumbai. On several days, the same route is being flown by a low-cost airline selling seats at a lower price. Add in the time saved—nearly two hours in air vs over 15 hours on rail—and the math adds up. Well, air travel is no longer a high-status affair. It's about IATA report, released on June 2, says 111 flights were taken per 1,000 Indians in 2023. This represents quite a substantial increase for a nation that just a decade ago found a minority of its population taking a flight ever. Indians, in turn, are now availing international flights with much greater ease. These changes—far shorter term in their effect—do reflect a broader evolution of aviation in India, which is witnessing a democratising of the sector via lower fares, more extensive networks and governmental what does this mean beyond the passenger stats? Addressing the IATA annual general meeting in New Delhi on June 2, Prime Minister Narendra Modi placed the Indian aviation story in a larger global framework. He said India should not be seen as just an aviation market but rather as a leader in the value chain of the sector—not only should we 'Make in India' but also 'Design in India'.advertisement Modi's message was explicit: India is not merely flying more—India wants the sky. In recent years, the government has introduced reforms to identify aviation as an engine of economic growth and global integration. Modi said Indian aviation laws were being brought at par with international best practices, with easy and a clear tax structure and compliance. He said this is a hugely attractive investment opportunity for large global aviation already contributes a huge amount to the Indian economy. As per the IATA report, the Indian aviation industry contributes $53.6 billion (1.5 per cent) to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This includes $5.6 billion in direct core aviation activities, $21 billion from supply chain and employee spending and $27.1 billion in aviation-related tourism. It also accounts for 7.7 million jobs—369,700 of them being direct aviation jobs and 5 million in tourism. It is said to be one of those few sectors in India where for every 100 direct jobs, over 600 indirect jobs are created in the also emphasised on turning India into a global centre for MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul). India is fast expediting this journey and by 2030 aiming for a $4 billion MRO hub, he added. From 96 in 2014, India today has 154 MRO facilities, thanks 100 per cent FDI under the automatic route and reforms such as reduction in Goods and Services Tax (GST) and rationalisation in and connectivity are equally important parts of the jigsaw. India is now the sixth largest air cargo market in the world with 3.3 million tonnes of air cargo handled in 2023. Air freight used to be an ancillary at best, but with the rise of industries such as pharma, electronics and e-commerce, it has become a central logistical engine. There are also growing international linkages with India. With 521 international outbound flights daily, the country is linked to 58 countries. India has 103 international routes and in just five years, the country has been placed 10th in the international aviation market. In 2024, 33.9 million international passengers flew out of as exciting as these advances are, the core value of aviation is much more than that. Air travel may be the only dependable link to the national economy in the far-off northeastern states or hilly regions where road and rail links are not up to the mark. Air access is vital during emergencies, disaster or in case of an urgent medical transfer. In this context, regional air links have burgeoned in the past four years, thanks to the government's UDAN scheme, with planes now flying into towns such as Darbhanga, Jharsuguda and Rupsi—previously unimaginable on the national air is aviation more than just a mode of transportation? Because it's a force multiplier, a safety net, a conduit between desire and delivery. The remarks made by Modi at the IATA event also covered India's efforts to become a hub for aircraft leasing. Referring to the recent legislation framed to provide tax incentives and legal certainty to global lessors, he remarked that these measures had turned India into a more favourable destination for leasing yet, challenges remain. In large cities, airport infrastructure is pushed to the limit, pilot shortages are around the corner, and we are asked to ignore the environmental impact of flying. But the wind is undeniably at their back. Some 10 years ago, the Indian aviation story was a tale of private sector churn and regulatory ambiguity. Today, it is a lot about opportunity, scale and is transforming into a node of value creation in the global aviation ecosystem. And so, for millions of Indians, a dream has now become a daily choice: to fly or to take the train? And more and more, the skies seem to be the ones to India Today MagazineTrending Reel
New Indian Express
17-05-2025
- New Indian Express
Now, travel in Third AC at the fare of sleeper
CHENNAI: In a key policy shift, Indian Railways have issued instructions to fill all vacant seats and berths in AC coaches of trains through the 'auto upgrade' facility with holders of confirmed tickets from lower classes like Sleeper Class (SL) and Second Sitting (2S) during the preparation of the first chart, which is usually done four hours before the departure of a train from its source. The move is likely to make the Current Booking (CB) facility unavailable in AC coaches, such as Chair Car (CC), Third AC (3A), Second AC (2A), and First AC (1A). However, the CB will be available for SL and 2S. The CB facility was introduced for last-minute bookings, if there are any vacancies after the preparation of the first chart. It is allowed usually up to 30 minutes before departure. Seats will be available under the CB category for any train only if there are vacant seats – after emergency quotas and different types of waitlists are processed – available after the preparation of the first chart. With Railways deciding to prioritise filling seats in AC coaches through auto upgrades, such CB vacancies are unlikely to become available in AC coaches, except in very rare situations when seats remain vacant even after upgrades. The new changes communicated by the Railway Board to Southern Railway and all other zonal railways on Thursday will not only ensure that all the seats and berths in AC classes get occupied to the maximum extent possible but also enhance the chances of confirmed tatkal ticket holders in SL and 2S to get upgraded to 3A or CC, respectively. The Railway Board has also ordered that upgrades can be done only up to two levels. For example, SL can be upgraded to 3A and 2A. Similarly, 2S tickets may be upgraded to Vistadome 2S or CC. Upgrades to 1A and Executive Class are, however, restricted to only one level below, that is, from 2A to 1A or from CC to EC. For instance, a person with confirmed ticket in 3A cannot get upgraded to 1A. Auto upgrade – such as from SL to 3A and from 3A to 2A – facility was introduced in 2006. However, this facility is limited to passengers who paid the highest fare in their class, which would mean those who paid tatkal fare or full fare of the tickets without availing of any concessions. An official from the Southern Railway stated, 'Currently, most AC seats and berths get fully booked across the zone. However, during off-peak periods, on trains with higher AC seat availability, passengers with non-AC tickets might receive upgrades.'
Economic Times
16-05-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Railway Ministry brings new train classes 3E, Vistadome under upgradation scheme
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel The Railway Ministry has amended its upgradation scheme to bring the newly-introduced train classes under its ambit, including Vistadome non-AC, Vistadome coach Executive Anubhuti and Third AC Economy or 3E. "To optimise the utilisation of available accommodation in a train, a scheme to upgrade full fare paying passengers to the next higher class against the available vacant accommodation was introduced in 2006. At present, this scheme is available in all types of trains, including those having sitting accommodation," a ministry circular dated May 13 ministry has reviewed the existing scheme to bring the new train classes - Vistadome non-AC (VS), Vistadome coach (EV), Executive Anubhuti (EA) and 3E - under the hierarchy for upgradation, as these classes were introduced after 2014 when the upgradation scheme was last amended, it to the circular, the hierarchy for an upgradation for sitting accommodation from lower class to upper class is 2S (second seating class), VS, CC (chair car), EC (executive class), EV and the hierarchy for sleeping upgradation is sleeper class (SL), 3E, Third AC (3A), AC 2nd class (2A) and AC first class (1A)."The upgradation shall be done up to two classes in the hierarchy, which are available in a particular train with the limitation that the upgradation in 1A and the executive class (EC, EV and EA) shall be restricted to be done only from the just below class, i.e., 2A in case of 1A and CC in case of EC/EV/EA," the circular to a reservation supervisor, since the new classes have been incorporated under the scheme, the hierarchy has become longer with more circular also made provisions for incorporation under the upgradation scheme of any new class that the Railways launches in the future."In case any new class is introduced in the future, the upgradation shall be up to the next two levels based on fare," the circular added, "All passengers who have booked tickets on full fare shall be eligible for the upgrade. The full fare-paying passengers, who are booking under senior citizen/lower berth quotas, may be asked to exercise the upgradation choice cautiously."In case such passengers opt for upgradation, a message should come that in the higher class, you may or may not get a lower berth. The CRIS (Centre for Railway Information Systems) will make the necessary provisions in the software accordingly."Officials working in the reservation department said that only those passengers who opt for auto-upgradation while booking their tickets will be considered under this scheme."If a 3A waiting passenger has opted for auto upgradation, he/she can be upgraded without paying any extra fare to 2A, provided there is no waiting list of passengers for the 2A class and berths are lying vacant," a reservation supervisor scheme was last amended in 2014 when it was introduced for sitting accommodation in all mail and express that, it was applicable for sleeping accommodation in mail and express trains.
Hans India
08-05-2025
- Hans India
Indian Railways terminates catering contract with Hotel Rajasthan after passenger assaulted
New Delhi: Indian Railways on Thursday terminated its catering contract with Hotel Rajasthan with immediate effect after a disturbing incident on the Hemkunt Express, where a passenger was allegedly assaulted by catering staff. The Ministry of Railways shared the update on social media platform X, stating the action followed a detailed investigation into the mishandling of the passenger. The incident took place on May 6 aboard the Hemkunt Express, which travels between Rishikesh and Katra, the base camp for the Sri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. A passenger in the Third AC coach had complained about being overcharged for water, coffee, and noodles. Although only Rail Neer water is authorised at Rs 15, he was sold another brand for Rs 20. Coffee and noodles were also priced above their official rates. The passenger filed a complaint via the RailMadad app and later posted video footage of the incident online. The situation escalated when a group of men allegedly confronted and assaulted him in retaliation for his complaint. The video showed the group trying to force him down from his berth and physically attacking him. He later appeared on camera with visible injuries and torn clothes. The passenger accused the staff of trying to harm him and appealed for strict action. Responding swiftly, the Ministry of Railways imposed a Rs 5 lakh penalty on the caterer and confirmed that an FIR had been registered by the Government Railway Police in Kathua. IRCTC also addressed the issue on X, saying it had been escalated to the authorities concerned for immediate action. The termination of the contract is part of Indian Railways' move to ensure passenger safety and prevent overcharging and misconduct by service providers on trains.
Mint
08-05-2025
- Mint
Video: Man beaten in Hemkunt Express 3AC after complaining about high prices. Railways responds
A travel vlogger was assaulted aboard the Third AC coach of the Hemkunt Express after he reportedly complained about being overcharged for food and beverages during the journey. Vishal Sharma, a YouTuber known for documenting his travel experiences, captured the disturbing incident on camera as a group of men allegedly attacked him in retaliation for filing a grievance. Sharma boarded the Hemkunt Express on May 6, which operates between Rishikesh and Sri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra. While on board, he filmed himself purchasing a water bottle inside the Third AC coach. Although pantry staff are authorised to sell only Rail Neer bottles at ₹ 15, Sharma was handed a bottle of Wonder Aqua and charged ₹ 20. When he objected, the vendor responded, 'Yahi mila hai sir (This is what we have).' Sharma further documented instances of overcharging — buying coffee for ₹ 20 instead of the regulated ₹ 10, and noodles priced at ₹ 50, exceeding the prescribed ₹ 40. He lodged a complaint through the RailMadad app. The situation escalated dramatically later that night. Sharma's footage shows a group of men confronting him while he was resting on his upper berth, demanding that he climb down. One of them, wearing a green polo shirt, appeared particularly aggressive. 'Neeche aao. Neeche aao bula rahe hain,' the group insisted, despite Sharma's repeated refusals. He is heard saying that he had "done nothing wrong" and had "only filed a complaint against them." When Sharma declined to descend, the men attempted to drag him down forcibly. Shocking visuals show one individual climbing to Sharma's berth and grabbing his leg. The video cuts off abruptly as Sharma screams. In a subsequent recording, Sharma displays visible injuries, including a cut, and torn clothes — the aftermath of the assault. Posting the video on social media platforms X and YouTube, Sharma alleged, 'When I complained about overcharging in Train by Pantry , an attempt was made to kill me.' He urged railway authorities to take swift action. The Ministry of Railways has since responded, stating, 'The case is being taken with utmost seriousness. A penalty of ₹ 5 lakh has been imposed on the caterer. An FIR has been lodged by GRP, Kathua. The matter remains under strict watch. Stern action will follow based on the investigation outcome.' IRCTC also replied via its official X handle, saying, 'Sir, it is being escalated to concerned official for necessary immediate action.'
