Indian Railways scrap half-ticket system for kids, earns Rs 22 crores in just two months

It was like a bonanza for the Indian Railways - by scrapping half-ticket system for children between five and 12 years of age has helped net Rs 22 crores in just two months. The scrapping was effective from 22 April. It was a decision of the railway board to charge full fare for children between five and 12 years of age if a separate seat or berth is sought. The result was a money spinner apart from making available lakhs of seats to adult passengers.
This has been reported in timesofindia.indiatimes.com dated 14 June 2016.

Till now, children in this age group were entitled to a separate seat or berth at half the fare. Following the introduction of the new system, nearly 5.5 lakh children traveled on CR and WR without a confirmed berth in the last two months. This translates into that many number of seats for adults. In other words, it means adding several coaches in the system.
The half rate for children will continue to be available, but without a seat or berth. Obviously, parents or the accompanying passenger will have to share their reserved space with the child. Of course, kids under five years of age will continue to enjoy free train ride (without a berth).
Cashstrapped Indian Railways expect to earn over Rs 525 crore annually without any investment. In 2014-15, approximately 2.11crore children between five and 12 years of age occupied berths on half fare.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

Some more interesting links -

Vistara to begin a daily flight from Kolkata to Delhi for travelers to Europe

Colony of red squirrels in Wales scared stiff due to rave parties

Turkey's plan to boost tourism - sends an Airbus A300 at the sea bottom


Mama comes calling on Moody (satire)

Didi plans new conquests via Rabindrasangeet (satire)

Lord Shiva and achhe din through Gangajal (satire)


Christina Grimmie shot dead by unidentified gunman in Florida

TE3N first day box office collection of Rs 2.61 crores in India fails to impress

Sonu Nigam opens up on technology and modern day music


Ukraine police arrest a French citizen to foil terror bid during Euro 2016

Delhi police unearths a kidney transplant racket - arrests kingpin from Kolkata

Car bomb attack on Istanbul police leave 11 dead