Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw today announced five reforms as part of Indian Railways’ resolve to undertake 52 reforms in 52 weeks this year in New Delhi. Briefing the media in New Delhi, the Minister announced reforms in cancellation of tickets and refund rules, change of train boarding, salt transportation, automobile transportation, and quality of construction.

 

Highlighting the reforms in cancellation of tickets and refund rules, Mr Vaishnaw informed that only a minimum flat cancellation charge per passenger will apply to tickets cancelled more than seventy-two hours before the departure of the train. He added that 25 per cent of the fare will be levied as a cancellation charge for tickets cancelled in less than seventy-two hours and up to 24 hours before the train departure. Meanwhile, 50 per cent refund will be given for tickets cancelled in less than 24 hours and upto eight hours before the train departure. Mr Vaishnaw said that no refund will be provided if the ticket is cancelled less than eight hours before the scheduled departure. The Railways also announced that counter ticket cancellations can now be done at any railway counter nationwide.

 

Highlighting the reforms in the change of train boarding, Mr Vaishnaw informed that the boarding point can now be changed 30 minutes before the departure of the train. He added that previously, the boarding point could only be changed before the chart preparation of the train. 

 

The Minister also said that single stack and double stack wagons have been introduced for auto carriers. Announcing the improvement in the quality of construction, Mr Vaishnaw said that a clause of 20 per cent ‘similar nature of work’ has been introduced in EPC contracts to ensure specific rail expertise. He added that there will be fixed bid security of two percent to ensure only serious bidders in the bidding process. The Minister further added that bid capacity will be calculated for projects above 10 crore rupees.