New Delhi, Dec 22(ANI): Union Railways Ministry on Tuesday said that it will soon introduce the first ever ‘Yuva Trains’ which are targeted mainly for the unemployed youths of the country.

Initially two separate weekly trains will be started as a pilot service between Mumbai to Delhi and Delhi to Kolkata, and if successful it will be extended to other parts of the country.

The concept of the ‘Yuva Trains’ was initiated and announced by Union Railways Minister Mamata Banerjee in her Railway Budget 2009-10.

“The young generation is our asset and we are proud of them. Due to economic difficulties poor youth are not able to travel on our trains. I will run “Yuva Trains” dedicated specially for the young generation,” Banerjee had said.

“These trains will be introduced between major cities to ensure that the youth and low income groups can travel at low rates between these cities. The new low-priced fast train service will be started to connect youth in rural hinterlands to major metros/cities,” she added.

The total chargeable fare for ‘Yuva’ passengers inclusive of reservation fee, superfast train charge and development charge would not exceed Rs.299 up to a distance of 1500 kilometres and Rs. 399 for distance beyond 1500 up to 2500 kms.

Minimum distance for charge will be 100 kms for both Yuva and Non-Yuva passengers, and children in the age group of five years and above, but below 12 years will continue to be charged half fare.

The ‘Yuva Train’ fares will be applicable to unemployed persons between the age group of 15 to 45 years, who fulfill the criteria of Yuva to be ascertained on the basis of Certificate issued under National Rural Employment Guarantee (NREGA) and valid Registration card issued by a Government run Employment Exchange.

Tickets will be issued on production of original of any of the above certificates at the counter, a photocopy of which should be retained along with reservation requisition as in the case of other concessions.

Tatkal scheme would not be applicable in this category.

Initially, 60 per cent of the total number of coaches will be earmarked for ‘Yuva’ category and the remaining will be earmarked for general passengers (non-Yuva). It will be reviewed after six months of introduction of the trains. (ANI)