Your train ticket can now be used to fund another railway journey. The railway ministry is planning to expand its frequent traveller programme to include all classes of train travel. At present, it is only available to passengers travelling by AC first and second class.
The scheme for frequent travellers, Shubh Yatra, is akin to the frequent flyer programmes run by airlines and is run by the Indian Railways Tourism and Catering Corporation (IRCTC). Upon becoming a member of the scheme passengers can earn points for their rail journeys and redeem them for discounts on future train tickets. IRCTC has also tied up with State Bank of India for this.
The scheme at present has about 33,000 members and railways hopes that expanding its scope would translate into its gaining more popularity amongst rail travellers. ?We are currently planning to allow travellers of AC-III and sleeper coaches to join the scheme to increase its membership,? a railway official said.
The frequent traveller programme is part of railways efforts to win travellers who may be opting to fly through low cost airlines. IRCTC has also added some more incentives to the scheme such as online redemption of points, free services such as free platform tickets and no service charge on tickets reserved through SBI cards to increase its membership.
Along with ensuring a steady flow of traffic for the future, the scheme is also generating revenue. The registration and annual fees for membership to the scheme provide it with revenue. IRCTC has ploughed in about Rs 2.5 crore into the scheme and it has earned already earned back more than half of it. ?We will be able to break even by next year,? the official said.