New Delhi, September 3: The budget-friendly Garib Rath will soon be replaced by Humsafar Express from September 29, 2018. With the latest changes, passengers travelling from Chennai to New Delhi route will have to pay more. The decision of conversion was taken on August 30 by the Indian Railways board. “Northern and Southern railways will suspend booking of Garib Rath Express trains with effect from September 29 and shall define Humsafar Express train on the notified Humsafar fare structure”, the order said.

According to a report by TOI, the move comes after the Indian Railways’ decision to withdraw the low-cost third AC Express train Garib Rath from the route. Reports inform that the travellers now will have to pay a hefty amount to travel in Humsafar Express.

It must be noted that the fare of the Humsafar Express begins at INR 2,200, which is expected to increase with demand. The TOI report states that the decision of the Railways will lead to an increase in fares by INR 1000 to INR 2000 per head for 3rd AC Class travel in Humsafar Express.

The fare of regular AC three-tier trains on Chennai-New Delhi route begins from INR 2050. However, Garib Rath was affordable for people, as they were able to get Garib Rath tickets at INR 1380 only. The train comes with LED displays, public announcement systems and vending machines.

The replacement of Garib Rath with a costlier Humsafar Express will drastically affect a passenger’s as tickets would get expensive. Garib Rath trains were launched in 2005 to provide AC class travel at a lower price. Reports inform that as of now, there are about 26 trains functional all across the country.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 03, 2018 07:07 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).