An increase of one paisa per kilometer has been made (symbolic picture)
Jagran Bureau, New Delhi. There has been a partial increase in the fares for long distance train travel. Railways has decided to increase the fare for journeys of more than 215 kilometres. The changed fare will be applicable from December 26. Railways says that this will generate an income of Rs 600 crore, which will help in the expenditure on expansion of railways and safety standards.
According to the new provisions, the fare has been increased by one paise per kilometer for journeys of more than 215 kilometers in ordinary class, while an additional two paise per kilometer will have to be paid in non-AC and AC classes of Mail-Express trains. The information given on Sunday said that for journeys of more than 215 kilometers, one paise per kilometer will be charged for general and 2 paise per kilometer for mail express AC or non-AC. That means if someone goes from Delhi to Patna in general category, he will have to pay Rs 10 more. Whereas in reserved category Rs 20.
Rent increased before general budget
Railways has also clarified that there has been no change in the fares of suburban trains and monthly season tickets. According to Railways, this decision has been taken with the aim of providing relief to small and daily passengers. Railways has also given an explanation for this increase before the general budget in February.
Railways argue that in the last decade there has been massive investment in network expansion, new lines, trains and safety measures. Besides, due to increase in the number of employees and increase in pension liability, the cost has also increased significantly. Expenditure on human resources has increased to Rs 1,15,000 crore. Pension expenditure has increased to Rs 60 thousand crores. The total operating cost has increased to Rs 2 lakh 63 thousand crore in the year 2024-25.
For these reasons, a partial adjustment in passenger fares has been made along with increasing cargo transportation to mobilize additional resources. Due to these reforms, India has become the second largest freight railway network in the world and successful operation of more than 12 thousand trains has been possible during festivals. It is clear that Railways is trying to strike a balance between cost and social responsibility, but for long distance passengers this decision will bring additional burden on the pocket.
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