The 'cooling' of Indian railways - Who wins and who ends up losing?

As a frequent railway traveler, I have keenly observed a discernible shift in Indian Railways' approach—gradually increasing the number of air-conditioned coaches while phasing out sleeper-class bogies in long-distance trains, particularly on routes traversing the densely populated states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. This strategic realignment appears to be driven by objectives such as revenue maximization, enhanced passenger comfort, and greater operational efficiency. However, this transition raises profound concerns regarding affordability and inclusivity, particularly for the economically marginalized and middle-class travelers who rely on sleeper class as their most viable means of cost-effective travel.

Reasons (Could be) Behind the Shift:

·       Revenue Optimization: AC coaches generate higher revenue per seat compared to sleeper coaches, making them financially attractive for Indian Railways.

·       Improved Comfort and Safety: AC coaches offer better security, climate control, and an overall improved travel experience.

·       Reducing Ticketless Travel: Sleeper coaches often witness unauthorized passengers, while AC compartments have stricter ticket checks.

·       Encouraging High-Paying Passengers: The railway aims to attract passengers who might otherwise prefer flights or premium buses.

Impact on the Poor and Middle Class

1.      Increased Travel Cost

The most immediate impact of reducing sleeper coaches is the increased financial burden on low-income passengers. The price difference between a sleeper ticket and an AC ticket can be significant, making travel unaffordable for daily wage earners, laborers, and lower-middle-class families.

2.      Limited Accessibility to Affordable Travel
With fewer sleeper coaches available, passengers from economically weaker sections may find it harder to secure tickets, forcing them to either opt for general-class travel (which is overcrowded) or forgo travel altogether.

3.      Overcrowding in General Class Compartments
A reduction in sleeper coaches could lead to a sharp rise in demand for general compartments, leading to further overcrowding and discomfort, especially during peak travel seasons.

 

4.      Increased Dependence on Buses and Other Modes of Transport
If sleeper-class availability continues to decline, passengers who cannot afford AC fares may shift to road transport, leading to increased dependency on buses, which might not be as convenient for long journeys.

 

5.       Impact on Migrant Workers and Students
Many migrant workers and students travel long distances frequently using sleeper class. The shift to more AC coaches could make their journeys costlier and more difficult to undertake regularly.

 

6.      Potential for Discrimination
In practice, this policy shift could lead to subtle forms of discrimination against lower-income passengers, potentially impacting their ability to access essential services and opportunities. This also overshadows the efforts put in by the erstwhile railway minister Shri Lalit Narayan Mishra, who, half a millennium ago in 1974, renamed "Third class" to "General", making railways appear more inclusive and giving the travelers an inherent sense of self-respect.

 

Discrepancy in Government Claims

The government often states that only one-third of train coaches are AC and that the 1:3 ratio is strictly adhered to. However, a closer look at coach compositions through railway-related mobile apps reveals a clear deviation. Many long-distance trains now have a higher proportion of AC coaches than officially acknowledged, reinforcing concerns about the gradual phasing out of affordable sleeper-class travel.

 

For example:

Train No. 19669, Humsafar Express, which runs from Pataliputra in Bihar to Udaipur in Rajasthan, has 16 AC coaches and only 1 sleeper coach.

Train No. 20801, Magadh Express, which runs from Islampur in Bihar to New Delhi, has 6 sleeper coaches and 11 AC coaches.

Train No. 12451, Shramshakti Express, which runs between Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh and New Delhi, has 5 sleeper coaches and 11 AC coaches.

These are just a few examples, and the list just goes on.

Possible Solutions and Alternatives

·       Introduce More Affordable AC Coaches (Economy AC) - The introduction of AC Economy (3E) coaches by Indian Railways is a step in the right direction, offering a more affordable option for air-conditioned travel compared to traditional AC 3-tier. However, the fares for 3E coaches can still be a significant financial burden for those with limited budgets. While more accessible than AC 3-tier, the cost of 3E travel may still be out of reach for many, particularly economically disadvantaged individuals.

·       Subsidized Tickets for Low-Income Groups - Similar to (earlier) schemes for senior citizens and differently abled individuals, targeted subsidies for low-income passengers can help balance affordability concerns. The ruling out of the senior citizen concession is yet another debatable aspect.

·       Expand Rail Network with Dedicated Sleeper Trains - The expansion of India's rail network should prioritize dedicated sleeper trains, especially on high-demand routes. This is crucial to ensure that budget travelers continue to have viable and affordable travel options. While the introduction of the Amrit Bharat Express is a welcome step, it appears that the focus remains predominantly on the Vande Bharat Express, which caters to a more affluent segment of the population.

·       Gradual Transition with Public Consultation - Instead of abruptly reducing sleeper coaches, a phased approach with feedback from passengers can ensure minimal disruption to economically weaker sections.

·       Enhancing the Quality of Sleeper Coaches - Instead of reducing them, improving cleanliness, safety, and overall quality in sleeper coaches can make them a preferred choice without pushing people towards expensive AC options.

Conclusion

While increasing AC coaches in Indian trains aligns with revenue optimization and better travel experiences, it indubitably affects poor and middle-class passengers. A balanced approach that retains sufficient sleeper-class coaches, introduces budget-friendly AC alternatives, and ensures accessibility for all sections of society is essential. The Indian Railways must consider social equity alongside economic benefits to maintain its genuine role as the lifeline of India's transportation network.

To sum it up,

Let progress advance, but social justice prevail,

While balancing the economy, no class should 'derail.’