@first blogger:
Yes AP EXP has some distance restrictions, to travel in that train you must purchase ticket for at least 500 KM, so the first stop after 500 KM is BHOPAL that is why the clerk asked you to purchase ticket up to BHOPAL. If found travelling with out proper ticket you will be fined.

@Jitesh: Mar 14 (05:20PM).
@ first blogger :
In case of minimum distance of 500 kms., the actual fare charges will be as per the fare table slab of 491-500 kms. The min distance criteria operates for minimum fare charges purpose based on kms and not based on second or another subsequent intermediate station. Plz correct for any error.
There is also a provision that Min distance criteria will not be applicable for the sleeper coaches declared as unreserved coaches by Zonal railways in notified trains and in specified sections. In such case actual fare as shown in the concerned column slab. ...
The blogger is requested to post full fact details - to discard any misunderstanding that might have occured at the counter.

@Kapadia : Mar 14 (06:40PM)
But after 500 KM the trains stops at Bhopal, so the passenger must have to purchase ticket up to Bhopal if want to start journey from New Delhi.
How will system issue a ticket only for 500 KM without the station name?

@Jitesh: Mar 14 (06:42PM)
Sirjee, There is no complication in issue of tickets. The train fares and issue of tickets - both are different things in the context of minimum distance factor.
egs.
For New Delhi to Mathura - (141 kms)
For New Delhi to Agra Cantt - ( 195 kms)
For New Delhi to Gwalior - ( 313 kms)
For New Delhi to Jhansi - ( 410 kms)
The ticket for all above intermediate stations is possible with less than 500 kms. with the condition that they are issued at a train fare - kms slab - applicable to 491-500 kms (plz Refer train fare slab table).
So in simple words the train fare for all the above intermediate stops (under 500 kms distance ciriteria) - i.e. upto Mathura, Agra, Gwalior and Jhansi would be same irrespective of actual kms distance (based on train fare slab of 491-500 kms).
ii) For New Delhi to Bhopal - ( 701 kms) , the ticket would be based on acutal kms slab of 701-710 kms.
Plz correct for any error.

@Kapadia : Mar 14 (07:47PM)
Got you point
Thanks for clearing the point.
according to this for getting down to Mathura Jn the person must purchase ticket up to Bhopal.
This is the case like Duronto where person have to pay end to end fare for getting down at technical stop. But the person can not board from these technical stops.
Same case is there, by purchasing ordinary ticket between say JHS & BPL the passenger can not board this particular train, if found travelling he will be dealt as per extent railway rules. I have seen personally that at BPL station when such type of trains arrive(like this one) some RPF person check tickets for general boogie travelers and if they find any of the case mentioned above they deal them very badly.
Still I invite Mr Murli to tell us some thing on the issue.

@Jitesh: Mar 14 (07:55PM)
Acknowledging your reply with .....
Two more points that is worthy of noting is that -
As mentioned in my earlier reply and I repeat ....

i) ...." There is also a provision that Min distance criteria will not be applicable for the sleeper coaches declared as unreserved coaches by Zonal railways in notified trains and in specified sections. In such case actual fare as shown in the concerned column slab. ... " (As the original blogger wanted unreserved / General coach ticket)
ii) For all other Mail / Express trains, the minimum distance criteria is 200 kms for sleeper class. And for no classes - it is 500 kms. Jiteshji , is there 500 kms minimum distance criteria for AP Express/ 2724 ?

@first blogger:
@all bloggers: Regarding distance restrictions, please refer to page 271 of Southern Railway Time Table (It must be the same in other Time Tables as well)
quoting only for AP Express since that is the subject under discussion:
Train No 2723/2724 Hyderbad-New Delhi/AP Express will not carry passengers Holding 1 Class/AC Sleeper/AC 3 Tier Sleeper Class tickets booked for stations for distances/stations or less: Holding tickets for less than 600 kms
Holding II class tickets booked for Distances/Stations or less: Holding tickets for less than 600 kms.
But will carry in II class unreserved between: HYDERABAD/SECUNDERABAD TO KAGHAZNAGAR/BALAHARSHAH AND NAGPUR ONLY.
So you will see on the outbound journey from Hyderabad Passengers in UR will be carried beyond only after 600 kms. Please work backwards to get the distance restriction from NDLS/NZM please.
Good wishes.

@Kapadia : Mar 14 (07:47PM)
Mr Kapadia, There is a COMPLICATION in issue of tickets in this case. To travel in AP express you need to buy a SF ticket, and if you ask for SF ticket, they will ask you for train. So when you specify the train, the PRS system will not allow issue of SF tickets on trains with distance restrictions. The PRS clerk has no discretion in the matter.
It is another matter that the person can buy an ordinary ticket and pay the TT (hopefully without fine !) and get into the AP express. Please note the significant difference in the statement above. It is not in the hands of the Booking window if you specify SF ticket, and he does not have the discretion. The minimum booking distance is already fed into the system so that the booking clerk cannot tamper with it Sir. Good wishes.

@first blogger:
Book a ticket in SL class from New Delhi to Agra. You will get a confirmed berth for any date, Get down at Mathura. If you have the comfort of SL class available, why travel in General coach, which would already be packed with twice its carrying capacity.

@MST IndianRailways: Mar 14 (10:34PM)
Not allowed Sir ! Please see the rule i have quoted above..... in this blog.. Good wishes.

@MST IndianRailways: Mar 14 (10:34PM)
I mean NOT allowed on AP Express. The passenger can take any other train, BUT NOT TRAINS with Distance Restrictions as mentioned above. Good wishes.

@Murli: Mar 14 (09:08PM)
Thanks for the info.
However at Borivali - PRS counter clerk not asking for SF train name while issuing SF tickets. Few superfast trains are available in the morning towards Surat side and SF ticket is valid in any SF train, in case you miss any particular one you desired. The window clerk does not ask the name of SF train at Borivali.
It appears from your reply, that General minimum distance criterias are not applicable in case of AP Express/2723 and also rule exempting minimum distance criteria in General Unreserved coaches. Strange exceptions.

@Murli: Mar 15 (08:29AM)
Murli Sir I wish to differ from you, I just checked the availability status between NDLS to AGC in AP EXP and it is available and it gives me permission to book the tickets.
Plz Check.

@first blogger:
Yes thera are rules in some trains , if you are travelling with gen ticket in dist bound train ,you may have to pay 280/- fine if caught by tte.
Few trains which i know are
1.Brahmaputra Exp 480km bound
2.Dehradun Chennai Exp 500 Km
3. Poorva Exp 480 Km
4.Gomati Exp 200km
5. North East Exp 480 km
6.Pushpak Exp 500km...and many more

@Jitesh: Mar 14 (05:20PM)
Thank you for your valuable information.. sir i will be greateful to you. if you will tell some other tain having distance bouding like AP express... it will help all those travells for short distance and can save from fine..

@anon: Mar 15 (05:02PM)
actually I have a list of some trains in which distance restrictions are applicable but not able to locate it, I am trying to find out, any one wants that can mail me directly at jitesh6781@gmail.com

@Jitesh: Mar 15 (06:36PM)
k....can anyone say if we dont buy a proper reserved ticket(may it be waitling list, rac or tatkal anything) and want to go beyond 500 kms....can u give the soln...what can be done in this case?

@first blogger:
very little chances for this train as far as I know. You can try Tatkal before date of journey at 8.00 a.m. sharp. Good wishes.

@first blogger:
You SHOULD TRY THE BOOKING OFFICE AT NZM. I think it will not be possible for unloading your bike at Dharmavaram as the train stops only for 5 mns there. HENCE MY SUGGESTION TO CHECK WITH BOOKING OFFICE AT NZM. But remember they may promise you, but you will have to be really careful. Generally, the front guard parcel van is contracted out to an outside party. You can find out who it is, and whether that agent can ofload your bike at Dharmavaram. At the same time, be CAUTIONED. Good wishes.

@first blogger:
You have good chances of confirmation. Your date of journey is very far away. You need not worry now since SR is running specials between MS/MSB to Tpj, MDU, etc. And comparatively this is a lesser preferred train. Hence lots of dupliate bookings. Good wishes.

@first blogger:
MAY GET ONE OR TWO CONFIRMTIONS. CANNOT SAY FOR CERTAIN DUE HOLIDAYS TODAY AND TOMORROW. At least you have seats, you will have to adjust amongst yourselves being a large party. BUT keep checking for chart preparation... maybe there may be cancellations later during the day after say 1.30 p.m. Your chart will be prepared around 6.30 p.m. today. Good luck and good wishes.

@first blogger:
You have good chances to confirm coz still 73 seats available in tatkal quota & 35 seats remain in HO quota. Wait & watch till chart preparation.
Regards
HE2L

@first blogger:
Since it is being booked on your ticket, it should travel with you to Kalka. However, as abundant precaution while booking, keep a lookout where it is being loaded, i.e. in the Kalka section or in the slip coach/SLR/Luggage van. There will be enough time for you to check this and board the train. Good wishes.

@first blogger:
2 SLR in train . So Don't wory, confermed it its boarded on Kalka bound SLR

@first blogger:
no ....rajdhani runs only between state capitals...and also der's a rajdhani like train.i.e. duronto is running already....

@anon: Mar 10 (06:07PM)
No such rule as from State Capital. Ahmedabad, Dibrugarh, Jammu are not state capitals.

@MST IndianRailways: Mar 10 (08:01PM)
Rajdhanis were actually meant to be run between the State Capital and Capital of India....but its a different story now....

@MST IndianRailways: Mar 10 (08:01PM)
Srinagar is still not connected by railways;Dibrugarh Town is the last point connecting with Arunachal pradesh. So Rajdhanis are running to those 2 places which is quite fair.

@MST IndianRailways: Mar 10 (08:01PM)
Sir, with due respect, Rajdhanis were run to the stations you mention, when they WERE STATE capitals. Of course where State Capitals did not have Railway Lines, the nearest point was considered as 'State capital" for purposes of Indian Railways.... good wishes.

@Murli: Mar 14 (09:15PM)
But for Gujarat, why does Rajdhani not run from Gandhinagar?

@MST IndianRailways: Mar 14 (10:28PM)
Have you seen the status of Gandhinagar railway station. A very less developed railway station with only three trains and only one daily train. No facility for coach care or pit lanes, so Major trains from Gujarat start from Ahmedabad which is a very big station.

@first blogger:
If you are in defence, you should try passanger trains instead of express trains. Express trains for hard working, tax paying people who want to work faster, make more money and pay more taxes. Defence personals are an idle lot, want to enjoy all luxeries of life without paying for them. Please be sensitive to hard working Indians.

@anon: Mar 13 (10:13PM)
what a foolish posting this is.
You Should be polite to fellow bloggers and specially you should respect defense person, although He may not be here on the forum to read this non sense comment. I was going to delete the posting but not because I want that what other people think about you, should be clear,
so I will ask for comments from fellow bloggers on this foolish comment.
Do not post these type of comments other wise will be deleted.

@Jitesh: Mar 13 (10:17PM)
Hi I m in agreement with u. No body can understand the defficulties which a defence personal faces in his life and when he is going for a short leave he requires all the comforts since u dont now how many nights he must have spended in remort areas or jungules in cold winters or rainy nights fightting against terrorist or guarding our borders. we must pay respect to all such persons. Secondly all defence personals are paying direct tax from their salary and its deducted at source only. like civilians they do not hide their actual income. so max tax is payed by salary class personal only.

@Jitesh: Mar 13 (10:17PM)
i was angry with this posting & initial reaction was - he's nuts - does not know the freedom he is enjoying by writing the particular silly, insensitive blog is due to his/other army personnel's sacrifice at the border. shame on him.
pl delete the blog he had so insensitively written without having any thoughts about the problems army people face.

@anon: Mar 13 (10:13PM)
Has the blogger - respected defence person requested for help in choosing the type of train ? Then how is it appropriate to reply in such a discourteous manner ?
Your reply lacks the respect and pride for the Defence persons which is highly condemnable. They deserve most of the salutes and therefore there is a seperate quota - Defence quota - for them. They are sacrificing all types of comforts and luxuries for 'us' and hence they do deserve more quotas in Railway tickets or priority in tickets - our duty to enable them reaching homes faster.
@ all others :
Complementing replies. My regards to all.
@ first blogger :
Regret and Sorry for the inconvenience.

@Kapadia : Mar 14 (07:28PM)
Kapadia Ji & other bloggers
I request all of you to give Minus Marking available on the blog for such a non sense reply. I all ready given it & from one ip address it can be given once only.
Lets see how many negative marks are generated for Him so that he could learn something.
Thanks

@anon: Mar 13 (10:13PM)
I AS AN ORDINARY CITIZEN DEMAND AN APOLOGY FROM YOU SIR FOR THE KIND OF REPLY YOU HAVE POSTED.
@MODERATOR: I REQUEST YOU TO TRACK DOWN THIS POSTER. HE/SHE SHOULD BE BANNED FROM THE FORUM.

@first blogger:
on behalf OF ALL BLOGGERS I/WE BLOGGERS SINCERELY APOLOGIZE TO YOU FOR THE POSTING MADE BY AN ANONYMOUS PERSON.

@first blogger:
(Mr) Ravi Kumar Sir, Your PNR seems to be invalid, as system says PNR NO LONGER EXISTS... PLEASE LET US KNOW SO THAT WE CAN SEE WHAT YOUR CHANCES CAN BE. Jai Hind, Jai Jawan ! Good wishes.

@Murli: Mar 14 (09:36PM)
The original post is 2 months old, and so the PNR might no longer be valid. From the rest of the discussion, it is evident that there is a lot of regard/respect for our defence personnel in this forum. The anon offending blogger should be sufficiently chastened by now. The offending anon post was deleted by an admin, but has been restored, since without it, the rest of the discussion falls out of context.
There is probably no need to ban/track anyone, since strong public opinion is by itself a very effective corrective factor.

@first blogger:
Yes, you have to pay for it. Ask for it from the coach attendant. Good luck and good wishes.

@Murli: Mar 14 (09:25PM)
Sir,
I think the bed roll is free of cost in Duronto.
Regards
HE2L

@first blogger:
sorry in 3ACE, bedroll is provided FREE. My error. Apologies.

@first blogger:
Since you are presently confirmed please wait till chart preparation or try on date of journey. It will display your coach, berth number and position from engine. Good wishes.