New Delhi: Indian Railways has officially raised passenger ticket prices from Friday, with the changes taking effect for all bookings made on or without this date. The hike aims to help imbricate rising operating financing while trying to alimony travel affordable for regular commuters.
Who Will Pay More?
Under the revised structure, fares for non-AC mail and express trains will go up by 2 paise per kilometre. For AC classes, the increase is also 2 paise per kilometre. For journeys vastitude 215 km in ordinary class, fares will increase by 1 paise per kilometre. For many passengers, the increase will be small in wool terms. For example, a non-AC passenger travelling 500 km will pay virtually Rs 10 more.
Which Journeys Are Not Affected?
Not all rail users will see higher costs:
- Suburban services like local trains remain unchanged.
- Monthly Season Tickets (MSTs) are moreover not part of the hike.
- Ordinary non-AC travel up to 215 km will protract at existing fares.
Why Did Fares Increase?
The Ministry of Railways says the fare revision is part of a broader effort to streamline the fare system and generate spare funds for maintenance and passenger services. The Railways expects to earn virtually Rs 600 crore in uneaten revenue from this move.
The spare funds are likely to be used for improving safety, upgrading infrastructure, and enhancing onboard facilities. It's the second fare transpiration in well-nigh six months.
Rail officials moreover note that the revised fares will come into effect for tickets booked on or without December 26. Passengers who have once booked tickets surpassing this stage will not be charged the revised rates, plane if the travel stage is later.
