FAQs on Charging of Special Trains/Coaches

What is the basis of Computing Charges?

The charges for special train will be computed point to point on the basis of the Full Adult Mail/Express fare of the concerned class for the actual number of persons traveling or the marked carrying capacity of the coaches whichever is higher.

For reckoning carrying capacity, AC Tourist cars and AC saloons will be equated with AC First class. Non-AC saloons and First class Tourist cars will be equated with First class coaches.

What is the minimum chargeable distance for special trains/coaches and minimum composition for FTR trains?(Upto 31-03-2008)

The minimum distance chargeable of a FTR special train/coaches will be 500Kms. separately for outward and return journey and the minimum composition of a special train will be 15 coaches including Rajdhani/Shatabdi Express trains. 

What if extra passengers are carried?

If extra passengers are carried, the charges will be levied pro-rata for the additional passengers to be declared at the starting station before or at the time of the commencement of journey. Extra passengers carried without payment at the starting station will be charged pro rata and penalty charges recovered as per extant rules.

What are the various components of Charge in addition to the basic fare?

The Charges include fare, service charge, detention charge and empty haulage charge, safety charge.

How much service charge is  leviable?

A service charge of 20 (twenty) percent is leviable only on the base fare and not on any other charge or Surcharge including Safety, Superfast and Reservation Surcharge.

What are Detention Charges?(Upto 31-03-2008)

[It has been decided that the levy of variable fare scheme for special trains and special coaches has been revised w.e.f 01-10-2007. It has also been decided that the rate of detention charges for coaches will be Rs. 300/-

(Three hundred only) per hour per coach as applicable  upto 31-03-2008 ]

Detention to Diesel/Electrical Locomotives of special trains shall involve levy of Rs. 250/- on Broad Gauge and Rs. 150/- on Metre Gauge per hour or part of an hour will be made.

Are there any Concessions admissible on Special Trains?

No concession will be allowed for booking of special trains. Charges will be recovered in full even for children, students, senior citizens etc.

What are Empty Haulage Charges?

Empty haulage charges will be levied for the actual distance of empty haul at 50% of full Tariff Rate for the carrying capacity of coaches subject to minimum haul of 200 kms. Empty haulage charges will be levied irrespective of whether the coaches are available at the stations or benefit from other base station.

What is the admissible luggage in Special trains?

Luggage upto the normal free allowance will be allowed free. Beyond the free allowance, the party will be liable for payment at the regular Luggage tariff rates.

What is the payment Schedule in case of Special Trains?

The charges should be paid in full, 48 hours in advance of the departure of the train, failing which it will be deemed that running of the special train has been countermanded by the organizers. The entire registration charge-cum-security deposit shall be forfeited in this case.

What are the provisions with respect to Cancellation of special coaches/trains?

If the requisition for special coach/tourist cars/trains is cancelled two days before the scheduled day of journey or earlier, 10% of the registration charge will be forfeited. If the cancellation is done one day in advance (excluding the day of journey) and upto 4 hours before the scheduled departure of train, cancellation charges shall be 25% of the chargeable fare and if the journey is cancelled within four hours before the scheduled departure of the train or afterwards, the cancellation charges will be 50% of the chargeable fare.

What if the Railway is not able to arrange the running of a special train?

If the Railway Administration is not in a position to arrange to run a special train due to the paucity of coaching stock or any other reason whatsoever, the amount of deposit fee will be refunded on application being made to the Chief Commercial Manager and after surrendering the original money receipt.

How can I get the refund of my Security Deposit?

50% of the registration fees is retained by the Railways as a security deposit while the balance is adjusted towards fare at the time of preparation of the ticket. The security deposit shall be refunded by the Station Manager of the journey originating station after deduction of due charges including excess detention charges if the party submits the folder to the Station manager within six months of completion of the tour.

If the folder is submitted after the normal time limit of six months and upto a maximum of 3 years of the completion of the tour, the General Managers in consultation with their F.A. and C.A.O’s have full powers to settle the case.

No refund shall be permitted if the folder and/or ticket is lost or both are not deposited in original.

No refund shall be permitted if the folder is deposited after three years of the completion of the tour.