written in 2008: Indian Railways indulges in undue Profiteering. Perhaps it has been going on for quite some time now, without protest from the Public, Press and others. I noted it on 2-5-2008

Railway Minister did not read this page: Yet, the action was taken. The contents of this page are right

 

Monopolistic Loot: The undue Profiteering by the Railway was accepted by the Railway Minister in the Parliament / Lok Sabha on 3rd July, 2009

The changes made are: Tatkal Quota has been decreased. Passenger will pay from the place of boarding the Train and not from the Originating Station of the Train - payment for distance not travelled. The tatkal Charges have been reduced to Rs 100 from Rs 250.

 

Tragedy:  Nobody questioned the Railway.  And we have the Press, self styled Watch Dogs !

 

Dec 2009: Railway Ministry has confirmed that with the revised, lower Tatkal rates, the overall income on account of tatkal reservations, have gone up.

For more details, refer to Railway Ministry / Minister

Left over basic points:

Profiteering: If a manufacturer or Government exploits the demand - supply mismatch, charges more / exorbitantly not justifiable in any way by cost increases and provides imaginery and colourful excuses, it is Profiteering. 

Nearly one third of the available seats were earmarked for 'tatkal' - this was again thoughtless and exploitation of the demand.

  The old wrongs have been rectified. And the old details are now deleted

 

	Errors and Omissions exempted.  If there be any unwanted oversights, mistake in content or suggestions for improvements,  I will be thankful for your feedback
	Personal website of R. Ranganathan M.Sc., [ MBA - IIMA]    Main / original content: 2008: last minor modification, June 5,  2011