Travelling by the World Heritage Kalka-Shimla section can now be possible on the concept of ‘chartering of individual seat’ with the Northern Railway deciding to run three self-propelled trains- Jharoka, RA-100, and Rail Motor Car. As per the decision, for the next two months, individual passengers can also book their seats in these trains independently. In the earlier system tourists had to book the coaches on the basis of a group booking. This move is to give a major boost to the tourism sector of this division.
The Divisional Railway Manager (commercials), Ambala division, Hari Mohan, said that the tickets for all three coaches can be booked through booking counters available at Kalka and Shimla railway stations. The coaches will be made available from November 16 to January 15, 2020.
He added that the service will run only when a minimum of six passengers are booked in the case of RA-100 and Jharoka and eight passengers in the case of Rail Motor Car. In such conditions, the complete fare will be refundable from ticket counters. Once six to eight passengers book the coach then trains shall be made available. Speaking about the salient features of the coaches, Mohan said that self-propelled RA-100 has a capacity of eight passengers. ₹2,200 is its cost for one ticket.
Jharoka has a total seating capacity of eight passengers. ₹3,500 is its cost per ticket. Rail Motor Car has a capacity of twelve passengers and is priced at ₹1,600 for one ticket. Children below five years are exempted from buying tickets. They will also not be provided seats. Tickets once purchased are not refundable.
News Source: The Indian Express
Image Source: Google Images
