LHBfication of ME/SF trains is a loss making proposition for IR due to:
(1) Reduced number of berths and hence lesser revenue due to introduction of 2 generator power car sets.
(2) Cost of diesel/ manpower etc for operation and maintenance of the generator cars.
(3) Noise and pollution caused by generators is undesirable.
It...
more... is a wastage of scarce resources. Why not to develop self generating LHB coach and then introduce them in the non-premium trains and save money?.
If IRlys charge a small surcharge (say 5%-10%) in all classes in LHB trains for better aesthetisc, safety, speed and operate them at higher speeds upto 130kmph (with Rajdhani Priority) & lesser journey time, people will not mind paying extra. Charging extra in the name of “surge/ dynamic pricing” is not justified.
Why IR is not using the full speed potential of LHB coaches (130-160kmph). Why most of the LHB trains are being operated at sub 110 kmph speed when it has a large route kms of tracks (~5000 km) fit for 130kmph. First all the trains on 130kmph permissible routes should have been converted into LHB rakes. What is point of running a train with LHB rake at 50-55kmph avg speed? It is a known fact that people are ready to pay extra for higher speed. (>55kmph speed SF trains extra charges are levied).
All prestigious faster trains like TN, AP, Kerala, Karnataka, Swaraj, Geetanjali, Coromandal, etc should have been first converted into LHB and operated with Rajdhani Speed with an avg speed of above 70kmph and designated as “special Super Fast” train with little bit higher fare in order to garner additional revenue. Give something extra and then charge commensurately extra is a simple economic lesson which IRly is expected to follow under our CA RM.
LHB coach costs much more than ICF coach, IRlys must use its full potential and charge extra for the same. Similarly costing of acc seat in ACDD train, which is a bit cumersome (as compared to normal acc seat) is lesser, the benefit should be partly passed on to traveller by way of lesser fare than normal acc seat, then ACDD trains could be success.
After making additional investments and providing better facilities to travellers, why do IRlys miss such rightful opportunities of additional revenue generation and go after “premium/suvidha/dynamic” things?
