India, July 1 -- The recent 25% cap on waitlisted (WL) train tickets for all classes has pushed up dynamic pricing in long-distance trains to Konkan from Mumbai. The demand for Konkan-bound trains usually shoots up before the Ganpati festival.

According to sources, a few trains departing from LTT, Panvel, Kalyan and Vasai just before the festival have provided an option of surge fares ranging from 120% to a whopping 260% of the actual fare against a confirmed ticket (see box). This has also given a thrust to the need to extend the cap on WL tickets from the recent flat 25% to 30-60% depending on the coach class.

An internal communication issued by the Railway Board to the zonal railways on June 28, stated, 'It has been decided that the ...