New move by Central Railways will allow suburban passengers to travel in long-distance trains

In a fresh move to make suburban commuting easier for season ticket holders during peak hours in the Kalyan-Thane belt, Central Railway has decided to earmark all sleeper class coaches of three trains- the 17412 Mahalaxmi Express, 17058 Devgiri Express and 22108 Latur- Mumbai Superfast Express- as 2nd class unreserved coaches during day time between Kalyan and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Mumbai (in Up direction only that is towards CST) on experimental basis for a period of 3 months.

Commuters will have to buy coupons for the journey and they will have to pay the difference in fare, said a CR statement. "The 2nd class season ticket holders of Kalyan and Thane have to pay Rs 30 per trip from Kalyan to CST and Thane to CST. Superfast charges will be levied separately wherever applicable. Similarly First class season ticket holders have to pay Rs 20- per trip from Kalyan to CST and Rs 10 per trip from Thane to CST," said a CR official.

CR officials said that they would be printing special numbered coupons to help commuters in payment of differential fare. These, officials said, will be in booklets of 10 to 25 coupons. "The sale of number of coupons restricted to maximum of 3000 per month for journey commencing from Kalyan and another 3000 per month for journey commencing from Thane," said the official. They would also be pasting stickers on the coaches of these trains to inform commuters, said officials.

CR has decided that the sale of these coupons will be done in such a way so as to give priority to ladies, senior citizens and then the general commuters. "From 20th to 23rd of the previous month to Ladies only. This month it will be on January on 26th, 27th and 28th. For senior citizens, it will from 24th to 26th of previous month for leftover coupons. This month it will be on January 29th and 30th. After 27th of previous month, for general public for leftover coupons," said the official.

Instructions for suburban commuters boarding these trains:

1. Season pass holders are to ensure no inconvenience is caused to reserved passengers to avoid complaints.

2- Season pass holders are advised to board in all sleeper class coaches equally or use vestibules and occupy lower berth at only 4 passengers per seat (with reserved passengers)