It will have a major impact on the middle class, students and employed people. file photo
Samvad Sutra, Bagaha (West Champaran). Rail fare hike: After the announcement by the Railway Administration to increase the fare from December 26, resentment is being seen among the common passengers. Although this increase is not huge, it will have a direct impact on the middle class which is already facing the brunt of inflation. Passengers say that the impact of this decision will be less on the rich class, but more on the middle class, students and employed people.
Passengers said that at present there is a severe lack of basic facilities in dozens of trains running on many railway routes. Due to limited operation of passenger trains, the journey of reserved passengers in mail, express and superfast trains has become no less than a torture. Despite this, increasing the fare without any concrete improvement is not in the interest of the passengers.
Although there has been some relief to the daily commuters as there has been no increase in the Monthly Season Ticket (MST) fares, there is resentment among the general commuters and non-MST commuters who travel daily. Especially students and working class have been most affected by this decision.
Passengers say that the monthly budget is sure to get spoiled due to increase in rail fare amid rising inflation and everyday expenses. This decision of the government is going to have a direct impact on the pockets of the common man.
Khiriya resident Shivshankar Kushwaha said that this decision is like a blow to the public. The fare remains the same till 215 kilometres, but as soon as one kilometer increases, the entire increased fare of 216 kilometers has to be paid. This will increase the problems of students and their parents studying in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kota and Dehradun.
Chandradev Sahni, a resident of Rampur Nayagaon, said that increasing the fare without expanding the facilities and improving the system is like putting additional burden on the pockets of passengers. If the railway administration had improved the system earlier, there would not have been so much concern about the fare increase.
Sangeeta Devi of Kailashnagar told that her husband and son work in a private company in Delhi, while there is also farming in the village. In such a situation, he keeps traveling to Delhi once or twice a month. Since traveling in ordinary class is not possible, one is forced to travel by sleeper and sometimes by AC. In such a situation, increasing the fare without improving the system is nothing but putting additional burden on the general public.