Western Railway has witnessed a 53% jump in passenger bookings this
July on the Mumbai-Delhi Rajdhani as compared to the corresponding
figure last July, thanks largely to the sharp rise in airfares in
recent times.

Given the fact that July is a lean month for outstation travel, WR
has recorded almost 100% occupancy levels. While increased economic
activity every year could be a reason for rise in passengers,
officials feel it's the return of the low-cost flyers to the railway
fold which had pushed up bookings.

Similarly, trains beyond Delhi have shown a shown a 35% growth.
Also, trains to Gujarat (Ahmedabad,Surat& Baroda) have recorded a 26
% increase in sleeper class bookings and a 74% jump in upper class
travel.

"Our revenues for Rajdhani alone have shot up from Rs 6.4 crores
last July to Rs 9.8 crores this July. The increase in airfares is
one of the main reasons why people are choosing our premier trains.
WR has also taken measures to increase passenger comfort and cater
to the increased demand by adding extra coaches," said Chief PRO, WR,
S S Gupta.

Travel agencies agree that airfares have made people turn to rail
travel. Reji Philip, proprietor, Cosmos agencies, said that ever
since airlines have increased their tariffs, more people have
started travelling by trains.

"When low-cost flights were introduced, many people who travelled by
AC-II and AC-III went for air travel, as they were inexpensive. Now
with the increase in airfare, they have reverted back to train
travel," said Philip.

Moreover, Philip was quick to remind that many airlines have
rationalised their routes. In simple terms, many short haul flights
between cities in close proximity have been shelved as they were not
economically viable. WR has been quick to cash in on the demand.

"WR has capitalised on the demand. Hitherto, trains had 18 coaches
for the Rajdhani, but now they have at least two or three extra," he
said.

Besides, facilities like internet and electronic ticketing,
automatic upgradation of reserved tickets, distribution quotas and
reduced travel time by 30-40 minutes have also worked in our favour
said Gupta.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Air_fare_hike_sees_a_53_jump
_in_Rajdhani_bookings/articleshow/3335227.cms

7 Aug 2008, 0128 hrs IST