Speaking at a function on the occasion, Union Minister of State for Railways Ram Naik said that the scheme has been launched on an experimental basis for the six months. ``It is for the first time in India that such tickets are being introduced. If they prove to be successful, we will introduce them in other areas of the country too,'' he added.

There are two types of weekly passes - Zone I and Zone II. The Zone I pass will cost Rs 95 and will be valid for unlimited travel for all stations within Mumbai CST/Churchgate to Borivli, Thane and Vashi and back. The Zone II passes will come at a cost of Rs 190 and will allow for travel between the Mumbai CST/Churchgate to Dahanu Road, Kasara, Karjat and Panvel and back.

These tickets will be valid for second class travel only for the week starting from the date of issue. They will not be allowed on the Diva-Vasai Road and Diva-Panvelline.

If the tickets are purchased from stations on the Mankhurd-Panvel section, a surcharge of Rs 18 and Rs 24 will have to be paid in addition to the cost of the Zone I and II passes respectively.

These tickets will be available at all stations on the suburban section on the production of a photograph of the passenger.