IRCTC has collected data from people booking online. They know better than us, what percentage of people will shift to, 3AC & what percentage shifts to unreserved travel. My guess is that the later people is approx 25 to 30%, depending on route & all.The actual cost of SL is comparable to 3AC, but the former is heavily subsidized. The real poor are only those who have to shift to unreserved travel & cannot really afford AC. Majority of people don't travel long distance once or twice in a year, so, IRCTC feels this won't make much diffrence.
IMO,...
more... Railways must run more Jansadhran type trains with UNRESERVED SLEEPER COACHES. No Reservation means no requirement of TTE in Every 3 coaches, when Staff cost is a major component in Railway Cost.