Recently, a new initiative named Chennai Murail is being started to beautify the walls of Chennai stations with attractive paintings. Under this initiative 14 Chennai railway stations were painting with beautiful murals. With this makeover, now Chennai commuters can cherish their mood by seeing classy walls inspite of dark blotches.
Let’s have a look over some of the major stations makeover.
Thiruvanmiyur
The concept of the wall mural us creatively chosen to encourage people to take selfie while their journey. The idea is inspired by popular comic and typography design. Thriruvanmiyur railway station is an IT hub and hence employees of Paypal took it upon themselves to paint their impressions on the wall of platform.
Saidapet
Saidapet is one if the busiest railway station of Chennai, as thousands as f resident are living nearby. It us railway station with ticket counters on both the entrance and the heritage one with British era building. The west entrance wall of this station depicts several legend actors in their iconic movies. The whole painting us composed by Nalandaway, an NGO working with Chennai children.
Mylapore
The prime theme of Mylapore railway platform walls are peace and art. The artwork is composed by childern of DAV College. At Mylapore tourist can experience cultural heritage of Chennai in various aspects. It is popularly known as cultural center of India.
Kotturpuram
The painting in this station portray a spirit of chennaiities during recent flood. It is painted by employees of Cognizant giving a distinct message in local Tamil language. Kotturpuram is an important station on the Chennai route. Apart from residential area, it is also an important tech hub.
Chennai Beach
KRI NGO Foundation beautified the entire station with the much deserved classical art all over. It is largest of Chennai local train network and largest in the suburbs.
Kasturba Nagar
The walls of the Kasturba Nagar railway station is decorated with fantasy art of Madras IIT students. The students really transformed the walls of platform inti adoring art piece. Kasturba Nagar is a major hub connecting institutions like Madras IIT, Anna University and it is also important IT corridor.
The efforts put in by each and every group is commendable and we hope it will admire many more to do the same in other cities. However, aesthetic in public places is catching eye in India in which Chennai has jumped into. It is providing a treat to eye and peace to the Chennaiities train commuters. And the motto of Swacch Bharat Abhiyan is fulfilling too.
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All about Indian Railway – II
In the previous article we have seen an introduction about Indian Railways and how to book ticket. We have gone through ample of reservation procedure. Now we will look over some more info about our Railway system, various quota and necessary facts which can be useful to know about your reservation ticket.
Tourist Quota
A small number of seats are kept aside for foreign tourist who travel between popular stations. A passport and visa is mandatory to book ticket under this quota. The quota is available at fewer dedication station. Tickets need to be paid in Indian currency with the foreign exchange certificate, even the ATM receipt will suffice.
Tatkal Tickets
Tatkal is a Hindi term for immediate or urgent. Tatkal Tickets are special tickets which you can buy 24hrs before the journey by paying some extra bucks on the ticket fare. Indian Railway themselves saves a small number of seats prior to booking process for this quota. However, a charge of Rs. 10-400 is charged on each ticket.
Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC Tickets)
Sometimes while booking u might have seen all tickets as booked. Don’t worry you can still book ticket. Indian Railway offers a handful of tickets as RAC, wherein you can get a confirm seat if someone cancels ticket before journey. If in case no one cancel in place for you than you can still board the train but need to travel without a seat.
Waiting List (WL Tickets)
In case even all RAC Tickets are booked, you will get a Waiting List ticket marked as WL. This way you will get a confirmed seat/berth only when enough cancellations will occur. Likely you can get a RAC ticket to at least board a train. But waiting list ticket is considered as without ticket, if it haven’t confirmed even in RAC. Once you have booked the ticket you can check your confirmation status from IRCTC website or by SMS by entering your PNR number. In case your ticket isn’t confirmed you will get a refund on it. It is advisable to book ticket online via online transaction, as it becomes easier to get a refund of your money.
Fare Calculation
Fare is calculated on distance and class of travel. Rajdhani and Shatabdi express have slight high fare than normal one as it provides free meals in it. In most air conditioned carriage catering services are available and meals are bought at your seat. In sleeper class it is advisable to carry your dry snacks and food in case needed for hygiene purpose. Seniors citizens aged above 58years for women and 60 years for men gets 40%-50% off on the fare. Children below 6 years travel for free, and those between 6-12 years travel for half Fare only up to 300km.
Tourist Quota
A small number of seats are kept aside for foreign tourist who travel between popular stations. A passport and visa is mandatory to book ticket under this quota. The quota is available at fewer dedication station. Tickets need to be paid in Indian currency with the foreign exchange certificate, even the ATM receipt will suffice.
Tatkal Tickets
Tatkal is a Hindi term for immediate or urgent. Tatkal Tickets are special tickets which you can buy 24hrs before the journey by paying some extra bucks on the ticket fare. Indian Railway themselves saves a small number of seats prior to booking process for this quota. However, a charge of Rs. 10-400 is charged on each ticket.
Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC Tickets)
Sometimes while booking u might have seen all tickets as booked. Don’t worry you can still book ticket. Indian Railway offers a handful of tickets as RAC, wherein you can get a confirm seat if someone cancels ticket before journey. If in case no one cancel in place for you than you can still board the train but need to travel without a seat.
Waiting List (WL Tickets)
In case even all RAC Tickets are booked, you will get a Waiting List ticket marked as WL. This way you will get a confirmed seat/berth only when enough cancellations will occur. Likely you can get a RAC ticket to at least board a train. But waiting list ticket is considered as without ticket, if it haven’t confirmed even in RAC. Once you have booked the ticket you can check your confirmation status from IRCTC website or by SMS by entering your PNR number. In case your ticket isn’t confirmed you will get a refund on it. It is advisable to book ticket online via online transaction, as it becomes easier to get a refund of your money.
Fare Calculation
Fare is calculated on distance and class of travel. Rajdhani and Shatabdi express have slight high fare than normal one as it provides free meals in it. In most air conditioned carriage catering services are available and meals are bought at your seat. In sleeper class it is advisable to carry your dry snacks and food in case needed for hygiene purpose. Seniors citizens aged above 58years for women and 60 years for men gets 40%-50% off on the fare. Children below 6 years travel for free, and those between 6-12 years travel for half Fare only up to 300km.
All about Indian Railway System
Indian Railway is one of the largest network and busiest in the world. It is also largest utility employer on earth with roughly 1.5 million workers. There are almost 6900 Railway stations spread across the country. Traveling in train is a very cheerful experience, as it provides a seamless journey than any other way. Train travel in India is recommendable specially for long routes when it includes over night travel. Travel time passes quickly when traveler travels at night.
Indian Railway Info
If you want to source updated train info then you can check useful authorized sites like Indianrail.gov.in and Indianrailinfo.Com. You can also find ‘train at a glance’ book for just Rs. 45 at many rail station book stalls. However, this book is published annually, so it’s not up-to-date as websites. Still it offers a comprehensive time table for all main line train services.
How to Book Rail Tickets in India
Indian rail ticket can be book from an agent or a hotel (with added commission). You can even book ticket by going to the station booking office by your own. Or else in this digital age, booking ticket from IRCTC website or PNR Status Buzz is a very convenient way. Ignoring some glitches into the system, online booking is the most useful way. In case you need more info on booking tickets you can speak to the Railway staffs. All big station staff speaks English, and on smaller stations, station master and its deputy usually are well versed with English.
Procedure at the Station
You need to get a reservation slip from information window. Fill in the details like departure station, destination station, date of journey, number of passengers, their details, under any quota (if you falls), etc. After filling all the details carefully, join the long queue at the reservation window. Women have a special queue for them, in case there is no queue for women you can straight go ahead at the window.
International Tourist Bureau
Almost all tourist destinations and larger cities have international tourist Bureau. This Bureau helps travelers to book tickets without any hassle. To check the list of stations which falls under it go to www.indianrail.gov.in.
Reservation Procedure
You can make a reservation 60 days before the journey. There are several classes which you can choose from according to your budget like chair car, sleeper, 3AC, 2AC, 1AC. There is no advance booking for general class. You only need to buy a ticket just before the journey and grab the seat as and when train pulls in. However it is advisable to book tickets well in advance, specially when it’s about night travel. In case you plan your journey a night before, there is an option of tatkal ticket, which you can buy 24hours before the journey by paying some extra bucks with the fare.
During festival several special train runs, still it’s better to book ticket in advance to make your journey safer and comfortable. Take extra care of the luggage you carry. Use padlocks or chains to lock it well.
Be aware of pick-pocketers and thives. There will be guards on the train at night. Still it’s better to take necessary precautions from your side.
Indian Railway Info
If you want to source updated train info then you can check useful authorized sites like Indianrail.gov.in and Indianrailinfo.Com. You can also find ‘train at a glance’ book for just Rs. 45 at many rail station book stalls. However, this book is published annually, so it’s not up-to-date as websites. Still it offers a comprehensive time table for all main line train services.
How to Book Rail Tickets in India
Indian rail ticket can be book from an agent or a hotel (with added commission). You can even book ticket by going to the station booking office by your own. Or else in this digital age, booking ticket from IRCTC website or PNR Status Buzz is a very convenient way. Ignoring some glitches into the system, online booking is the most useful way. In case you need more info on booking tickets you can speak to the Railway staffs. All big station staff speaks English, and on smaller stations, station master and its deputy usually are well versed with English.
Procedure at the Station
You need to get a reservation slip from information window. Fill in the details like departure station, destination station, date of journey, number of passengers, their details, under any quota (if you falls), etc. After filling all the details carefully, join the long queue at the reservation window. Women have a special queue for them, in case there is no queue for women you can straight go ahead at the window.
International Tourist Bureau
Almost all tourist destinations and larger cities have international tourist Bureau. This Bureau helps travelers to book tickets without any hassle. To check the list of stations which falls under it go to www.indianrail.gov.in.
Reservation Procedure
You can make a reservation 60 days before the journey. There are several classes which you can choose from according to your budget like chair car, sleeper, 3AC, 2AC, 1AC. There is no advance booking for general class. You only need to buy a ticket just before the journey and grab the seat as and when train pulls in. However it is advisable to book tickets well in advance, specially when it’s about night travel. In case you plan your journey a night before, there is an option of tatkal ticket, which you can buy 24hours before the journey by paying some extra bucks with the fare.
During festival several special train runs, still it’s better to book ticket in advance to make your journey safer and comfortable. Take extra care of the luggage you carry. Use padlocks or chains to lock it well.
Be aware of pick-pocketers and thives. There will be guards on the train at night. Still it’s better to take necessary precautions from your side.
Know About Indian Railway Flexi-Fare System
This year in September, Indian railway introduce flexi-fare system where base fare will increase by 10% with every 10% of seats sold subject to a prescribed ceiling limit. This formula is only applicable on premier trains like Shatabadi, Rajdhani and Duronto trains.
Now, Indian Railway tweaked a little in the flexi-fare structure. The change offers 10% rebate on any vacant seat left after chart preparation. The discount would be applicable on the surged fare base and not the original base fare.
These fares have been reviewed for a period of six months on experimental basis.
Flexi-Fare System in Detail:
● When flex-fare was introduced, it was stated that other supplementary charges like reservation, superfast, catering and service tax will be levied separately.
● The railways further said that vacant berths left at the time of charting would be offered for current booking.
● However, there was no change in the existing fare for 1AC and Executive Class of travel in premier trains.
● It is also decided by the Railway board that the information should also be displayed to the passenger during the booking in case the fare of lower class becomes higher than the higher class to exercise option to travel by the higher class.
● No Premium will be charged for the Tatkal Tickets in these trains
● Whereas, Tatkla will be available at 150% of base fare and no additional charges as ‘Tatkal charges’ will be levied.
● Similarly, Tatkal Quota Berths limits will be set aside
Amendments in the System
Railway board even rolled back flexi-fares system between Jaipur and Ajmer of New Delhi- Ajmer Shatabadi Express and between Mysore and Bengaluru on Mysore - Chennai Shatabadi Express. The fares of these Shatabadi train on these routes is reduced up to Rs. 140. Fares has been reduced by Rs. 75 on Kishangard and Jaipur, by Rs. 70 between Mysore and Bengaluru city and by Rs. 55 between jaipur and Ajmer. There are total 54 Duronto train.
Effects
Recently, Indian railway has claimed that the response of the flexi-fare system is quite good. According to railway Board, this is mainly because railway fares are still lower than the airfare. Regardless to that, as per this system passengers will be expensing 10-50% more. "Our flexi-fare system has got a good response and passengers have responded well to the scheme as there is about 30 per cent booking in the last two days," Railway board member (traffic) Mohd Jamshed said in an article to TOI. Railway is aiming to earn more Rs. 500 crore during this fiscal year. Jamshed even said the railways has earned Rs 84 lakh and Rs 81 lakh more on September 9 and 10 respectively from the flex-fare system. Responding to the charge that train fare has now become costlier than airfare, Jamshed told reporters despite flexi-fare system, train travel cost is still lower than airfare 7 road travel too.
The passenger revenue target for the current fiscal is Rs 51,000 crore as against Rs 45,000 crore in the last fiscal, an increase of Rs 6000 crore for 2016-17.
Now, Indian Railway tweaked a little in the flexi-fare structure. The change offers 10% rebate on any vacant seat left after chart preparation. The discount would be applicable on the surged fare base and not the original base fare.
These fares have been reviewed for a period of six months on experimental basis.
Flexi-Fare System in Detail:
● When flex-fare was introduced, it was stated that other supplementary charges like reservation, superfast, catering and service tax will be levied separately.
● The railways further said that vacant berths left at the time of charting would be offered for current booking.
● However, there was no change in the existing fare for 1AC and Executive Class of travel in premier trains.
● It is also decided by the Railway board that the information should also be displayed to the passenger during the booking in case the fare of lower class becomes higher than the higher class to exercise option to travel by the higher class.
● No Premium will be charged for the Tatkal Tickets in these trains
● Whereas, Tatkla will be available at 150% of base fare and no additional charges as ‘Tatkal charges’ will be levied.
● Similarly, Tatkal Quota Berths limits will be set aside
Amendments in the System
Railway board even rolled back flexi-fares system between Jaipur and Ajmer of New Delhi- Ajmer Shatabadi Express and between Mysore and Bengaluru on Mysore - Chennai Shatabadi Express. The fares of these Shatabadi train on these routes is reduced up to Rs. 140. Fares has been reduced by Rs. 75 on Kishangard and Jaipur, by Rs. 70 between Mysore and Bengaluru city and by Rs. 55 between jaipur and Ajmer. There are total 54 Duronto train.
Effects
Recently, Indian railway has claimed that the response of the flexi-fare system is quite good. According to railway Board, this is mainly because railway fares are still lower than the airfare. Regardless to that, as per this system passengers will be expensing 10-50% more. "Our flexi-fare system has got a good response and passengers have responded well to the scheme as there is about 30 per cent booking in the last two days," Railway board member (traffic) Mohd Jamshed said in an article to TOI. Railway is aiming to earn more Rs. 500 crore during this fiscal year. Jamshed even said the railways has earned Rs 84 lakh and Rs 81 lakh more on September 9 and 10 respectively from the flex-fare system. Responding to the charge that train fare has now become costlier than airfare, Jamshed told reporters despite flexi-fare system, train travel cost is still lower than airfare 7 road travel too.
The passenger revenue target for the current fiscal is Rs 51,000 crore as against Rs 45,000 crore in the last fiscal, an increase of Rs 6000 crore for 2016-17.
Things to Know About IRCTC Travel Insurance
Indian Railway has come up with Travel insurance service for its e-ticket passengers. However, IRCTC offers only linkage to transact with Insurance agency via its website. It will be an optional travel insurance at 92 paise per passenger, inclusive of all taxes. Like any other insurance scheme, conditions of this should also be understood properly to make its optimum use.
So, here are some of the details which an Indian Railway Passenger should be well-versed with before taking up the scheme.
1. The Insurance Company will be responsible for policy issuance and claim settlement, and not the IRCTC. So, next time you take up the insurance, do check which company is responsible for providing it & what are procedure to claim the same, in case needed.
2. This scheme is available only for Indian citizens who will book e-ticket from NGeT (Next Generation E-Ticketing) Website Application only. Foreign Citizen are not liable to avail this scheme.
3. The policy is elective, however if the option is exercised it will be obligatory for all passengers booked below one PNR number. So make sure the number of passenger for whom you are booking the tickets. As additional cost might incurred for all the passenger which will be compulsory.
4. This policy is for Confirmed, RAC, and Wait-listed Ticket holders. And no refund of premium will be there against cancellation or non-confirmation of the ticket. Thus, make sure the conformity of the journey from your side, or else you might be wasting your insurance.
5. The travel insurance scheme will be same for all class traveler. The scheme offers a compensation of Rs. 1,00,000 in case of death or permanent total disability; Rs. 7,50,000 in case of permanent partial disability; Rs. 2,00,000 for hospitalization expenses in case of injury; Rs. 10,000 for transportation of mortal remains.
6. The cover isn't applicable for children up to 5 years of age and foreign residents, and for suburban railway journey.
7. In case of vikalp train, the policy acquired by way of the passenger for making this journey will be valid inside the vikalp train additionally.
8. In case of diversion of route due to any motive, the insurance shall be for the diverted direction.
9. Passenger will get their insurance details through SMS and email on their registered phone number & email ID respectively. It will be send directly by Insurance Company alone with the link to fill nomination details. Yet, policy number can be viewed from ticket booking history of IRCTC page.
10. When ticket is booked, the nomination details is to be filled at respective insurance company website. If nomination info is not filled then the agreement will be made with heirs, if the claim arises.
So, next time you book a ticket from IRCTC website make sure you are well-versed of all the above pointers. As most of the scheme says, ‘read the offer document carefully before investing.’ Happy Ticket booking & Safe journey!!
So, here are some of the details which an Indian Railway Passenger should be well-versed with before taking up the scheme.
1. The Insurance Company will be responsible for policy issuance and claim settlement, and not the IRCTC. So, next time you take up the insurance, do check which company is responsible for providing it & what are procedure to claim the same, in case needed.
2. This scheme is available only for Indian citizens who will book e-ticket from NGeT (Next Generation E-Ticketing) Website Application only. Foreign Citizen are not liable to avail this scheme.
3. The policy is elective, however if the option is exercised it will be obligatory for all passengers booked below one PNR number. So make sure the number of passenger for whom you are booking the tickets. As additional cost might incurred for all the passenger which will be compulsory.
4. This policy is for Confirmed, RAC, and Wait-listed Ticket holders. And no refund of premium will be there against cancellation or non-confirmation of the ticket. Thus, make sure the conformity of the journey from your side, or else you might be wasting your insurance.
5. The travel insurance scheme will be same for all class traveler. The scheme offers a compensation of Rs. 1,00,000 in case of death or permanent total disability; Rs. 7,50,000 in case of permanent partial disability; Rs. 2,00,000 for hospitalization expenses in case of injury; Rs. 10,000 for transportation of mortal remains.
6. The cover isn't applicable for children up to 5 years of age and foreign residents, and for suburban railway journey.
7. In case of vikalp train, the policy acquired by way of the passenger for making this journey will be valid inside the vikalp train additionally.
8. In case of diversion of route due to any motive, the insurance shall be for the diverted direction.
9. Passenger will get their insurance details through SMS and email on their registered phone number & email ID respectively. It will be send directly by Insurance Company alone with the link to fill nomination details. Yet, policy number can be viewed from ticket booking history of IRCTC page.
10. When ticket is booked, the nomination details is to be filled at respective insurance company website. If nomination info is not filled then the agreement will be made with heirs, if the claim arises.
So, next time you book a ticket from IRCTC website make sure you are well-versed of all the above pointers. As most of the scheme says, ‘read the offer document carefully before investing.’ Happy Ticket booking & Safe journey!!