New Delhi: Yuva Express, the low-cost AC
train launched with much fanfare last year for unemployed
youths, has failed to impress them.
The uitilisation of Yuva quota is less than five per cent
in 12 months (January-December 2010) in the two Yuva Express
trains, according to the occupancy chart prepared by
Northern Railway.
In fact, many trips witnessed zero occupancy in Yuva
quota as not even a single youth availed the facility during
the weekly runs between Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Kolkata.
The weekly Yuva trains - Delhi-Mumbai-Delhi and
Delhi-Kolkata-Delhi - meant for unemployed youth and
economically poor sections became operational in January last
year.
"Though the passenger trains in these two sectors are
witnessing a heavy rush, the youth occupancy rate in low-fare
AC Yuva trains with seated accommodation is not very
promising," a senior Northern Railway official said.
The Yuva Express fare ranges from Rs 80 for the first
100 km, Rs 299 for up to 1,500 km and a maximum of Rs 399 up
to 2,500 km.
While 60 per cent seats are reserved for youths and
passengers in the low-income group, the remaining seats are
available for general passengers.
To avail the facility, a youth has to carry proof of his
birth and unemployment. Normal fare of travel is being charged
from general passengers.
According to the Northern Railway official, the
possibilities of touting activities cannot be ruled out as
wait listed passengers in general quota are accommodated at
the time of preparing the chart against vacant berths
earmarked for Yuva quota.
PTI
