The decision of the Central Government to increase rail fare evoked a mixed reaction from people with some terming the hike to be very “steep” while the others expecting subsequent improvement in the services in future.
“Increase in railway fare will affect general travellers the most. Those who can pay for air-conditioned travel will have no problem in shelling out a little more, but for poor people it certainly means a lot,” said Priya Lakshmi, a student of Jawaharlal Nehru University.
People travelling in the sleeper and the general compartments were the most critical of the decision. “People almost travel in inhuman condition in the general compartments. One has to see the situation in long distance trains operating between Delhi and States like Bihar, Bengal and Orissa. Increasing the fare for the upper classes is understandable because they travel with a minimum level of comfort, but why for the general passengers,” said Sunil, a street vendor.
Others said the impact of the increase would be much higher, especially for those who travel frequently and at times on a short notice. “Most of the time I travel on a short notice. In that case getting a confirm ticket becomes difficult. We are forced to buy tickets from brokers as getting Tatkal ticket is also difficult. While the fare hike is only around 14 per cent, actually we would end up paying much more,” said Rakesh Roshan, a businessman who frequently travels between Patna and Delhi.
Even those who were willing to justify the decision set riders that the fare hike must ensure improvement in services and security.
“Although it will hurt people’s pockets, there is a massive need to modernise the railways. The condition of trains remains same for several years. However, the fare hike would be justified only if the Railways ensures safer journey, better facilities like hygienic food, good drinking water, clean toilets with water. Then people will not mind the hike. But experiences in the past have been contrary,” said Amit Gautam, an IT professional.
