Section 49: Exhibition of certain timings and tables of fares at stations

(1) Every railway administration shall cause to be pasted in a conspicuous and accessible place at every station in Hindi and English and also in the regional language commonly in use in the area where the station is situated,–

(i) a table of times of arrival and departure of trains which carry passengers and stop at that station; and

(ii) list of fares from such station to such other stations as it may consider necessary.

(2) At every station where tickets are issued to passengers, a copy of the time table in force shall be kept in the office of the station master.

Simplified Explanation

Section 49 of the Railways Act, 1989 mandates that railway administrations display specific timing and fare information at stations. This is to ensure that passengers have easy access to important travel details, such as the arrival and departure times of trains and the fares applicable for different journeys. The provision aims to enhance transparency and accessibility of railway services for the public.

Detailed Explanation:

1. Exhibition of Train Timetable and Fare List:
   • Subsection (1) requires every railway administration to display certain key information at every station, ensuring that passengers can access it easily:
     • Table of Times: The arrival and departure times of all trains that stop at the station must be displayed. This is a critical piece of information for passengers planning their travel, ensuring they are informed about when trains are due.
     • List of Fares: A list of fares from the station to other stations that the railway administration deems necessary should be displayed. This helps passengers understand the costs associated with traveling to different destinations from that station.
   • The information must be displayed in three languages:
     • Hindi: This serves the nationwide audience, as Hindi is one of the official languages of India.
     • English: As a widely understood language, English ensures that the information is accessible to a larger group of people, including international passengers.
     • Regional Language: The local language commonly spoken in the area where the station is located must also be used. This ensures that the information is easily accessible to passengers who may not be familiar with Hindi or English, promoting inclusivity.
2. Time Table in the Station Master’s Office:
   • Subsection (2) specifies that at stations where tickets are issued to passengers, a copy of the current time table must be kept in the office of the station master. This ensures that even if passengers do not directly see the displayed time table, the station staff have access to it and can assist passengers with accurate and up-to-date information.

Why is this Section Important?

• Passenger Convenience: Displaying the arrival and departure times and fares at stations makes it easier for passengers to plan their travel, improving their overall experience with the railway system.
• Transparency: This requirement ensures that all passengers have access to important information, which helps them make informed decisions about their journeys. It reduces the chances of confusion or misunderstandings regarding train schedules and ticket prices.
• Inclusive Communication: By displaying the information in Hindi, English, and the regional language, this section ensures that a wide range of passengers, including those who speak regional languages, can easily access the necessary details. It promotes linguistic diversity and regional inclusion in the railway system.

Legal and Practical Implications:

• Passenger Rights: This provision reinforces the right of passengers to have access to vital information about the train schedules and fares. It makes it easier for passengers to check for any changes in timings or prices without having to approach the station staff for basic details.
• Consistency in Railway Operations: By requiring the exhibition of train schedules and fare lists at all stations, this section standardizes the way such information is made available across the railway network. It ensures uniformity in how information is communicated to passengers at different stations.
• Operational Efficiency: Having the timetable available in the station master’s office allows the station staff to assist passengers promptly, improving customer service. It also enables the station master to quickly address any issues related to train timings.

Conclusion:

Section 49 of the Railways Act, 1989 plays a crucial role in ensuring that passengers have easy access to important information about train timings and fares at railway stations. By requiring the exhibition of this information in three languages, the provision makes the railway system more transparent and accessible to a wide range of passengers. It helps in enhancing the passenger experience, ensuring that travelers are well-informed and can make decisions about their journeys more effectively.