All this by proving one's identity and paying an extra cost of just Rs 50. But what is reportedly disappointing the passengers is that the scheme has been has been introduced in just two trains of Vadodara division, namely the Vadodara and Shatabdi Express. Incidentally, the scheme has disappointed the touts too, as it has eliminated almost all chances of their earning money in the process. Accordingly, the railways has reserved one coach of the two trains just for those seeking reservation through the scheme. While the extra charges through Tatkal reservation in the sleeper and three AC class is Rs 50, it is Rs 150 for two AC.

The passenger who intends to travel has to book the tickets himself and produce his identity card, which he would be carrying at the time of travel. There is also a separate counter meant for issuing Tatkal tickets only.

The passengers have to also ensure that they carry their properly laminated identity cards, with recent passport size photographs, all throughout their journey.

``Earlier, when due to some emergency, a person had to travel at a short notice, getting reservations was difficult. As a result one had to go through the ordeal of travelling in the general class. But because of the Tatkal Scheme the chances of going through that trouble has reduced drastically,'' commented a frequent traveller Pratik Thakkar. But there are some who feel that such a scheme should be extended to other trains as well. ``I feel that the railway authorities should extend the scheme to other trains as well,'' pointed out another passenger, Rakesh Jain.

But, according to the railway officials, the scheme could be extended only after it was cleared by the railway board. ``These are policy decision which can be taken by the board only,'' a senior railway official said.

Notwithstanding these demands, railway are satisfied by the response to the scheme. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Manmohan Singh said, ``The scheme was announced by the railway ministry and adopted by the division keeping in mind the convenience of passengers.''