New Delhi: Indian Railways has spoken a modest increase in passenger fares, constructive December 26. The hike will wield to mail and express trains wideness the country. Officials say the move is aimed at rationalising fares and boosting revenue without putting a heavy undersong on travellers.
What exactly is waffly in ticket prices?
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. The railways clarified that suburban (local) services and Monthly Season Tickets (MSTs) will not be unauthentic and there is moreover no fare increase for journeys up to 215 km in the ordinary class.
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 passengers will finger the impact?
The hike mainly affects long-distance travellers using mail and express trains. Sleeper and AC matriculation passengers will see a slightly higher rise compared to those travelling in unstipulated class. Daily commuters and short-distance travellers are expected to see little to no impact.
Railway officials said the changes are designed to be gradual and balanced, keeping affordability in mind.
Why has the Railways increased fares now?
According to officials, 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.
When will the new fares apply?
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.
Railway authorities have well-considered passengers to trammels updated fares while booking tickets online or at reservation counters to stave confusion.
