In another passenger-friendly move, the Railways have decided to withdraw the service charge of Rs.30 levied on transactions against credit cards and debit cards for purchasing railway tickets at Public Reservation System (PRS) counters in the country. From June 1, passengers booking tickets using credit cards and debit cards at PRS counters need not pay Rs.30 in excess of the ticket fare.

The Ministry of Railways has already issued circulars to general managers of all zonal railways informing the withdrawal of the service charge, official sources said.

The directive from the Director, Passenger Marketing, Railway Board to the chiefs of the various railway zones says the decision has been taken at the initiative of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways.

Rail Humsafar

The move taken during the observance of Rail Humsafar is being viewed as a step to encourage more bookings using credit and debit cards at the PRS counters across the country in the face of stiff competition from the web-based booking provided by the IRCTC.