Continuing with its spree of raising fares to generate more revenue, the Railways have decided to introduce Tatkal tickets for passenger trains also, increase rates for parcel and for transportation of birds and animals.
Tatkal would be in place for those passenger trains that had recorded an average utilisation of 60 per cent capacity during the previous financial year. The zonal railways have been vested with the responsibility of identifying such trains.
The Tatkal charges for these trains will be the same as for superfast trains and the same principle will be applicable for earmarking seats. The rates for luggage and parcel traffic have been increased with effect from October 1.
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The minimum parcel charge is Rs. 30.
The parcel rates for Rajdhani, Duronto and Shatabdi express trains have been hiked by a minimum of 25 per cent.
The cost for parcels of birds, pets, or wild animals have been increased by a minimum of 25 per cent irrespective of the category of trains they have been booked in.
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These hikes come on the heels of the 15 per cent hike in freight charges of commodities in the name of busy season charge.