With steep hike in bus fare, rail journey has become cheaper and it can be the most preferred mode of transport for the cost-conscious passengers.
For example, while the bus fare to Chennai from Tirunelveli is ₹695, the sleeper class fare in train is only ₹385.
Comparison of fare worked out by Southern Railway for short distance travel like Madurai-Dindigul shows that train journey is cheaper by at least ₹8. The bus fare is ₹63 while the train fare is ₹15 in unreserved coaches in passenger train, ₹40 (unreserved in express trains) and ₹55 in unreserved seat in super fast train).
The train fare is cheaper on Madurai-Rameswaram and Madurai-Senkottai sections by ₹65 and ₹71 respectively for a travel in unreserved coaches of superfast trains, whereas the ordinary second class ticket in passenger trains on the same routes is only ₹35.
“There will be a huge diversion of passengers from road to rail because of the huge difference in fare. Not only the fare, but also the cheaper train travel gives more comfort,” said senior president of Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry S. Rethinavelu.
He wanted the railways to introduce special trains to Chennai as already all trains on this route are fully utilised.
Besides, the passenger trains for short distance should be augmented with additional coaches.
Railway Divisional Manager Neenu Itteyrah told The Hindu that the well-patronised passenger services on Rameswaram and Senkottai sections would be augmented by Monday to meet the likely increase in passenger patronage.
Mr. Rethnivelu said though the government could justify the steep bus fare increase after six years, he said passengers would be willing to pay more if the comfort level in buses is also simultaneously improved.
“Buses should have good seating arrangements with more leg room. Besides, the running condition of buses should be ensured. The safety features in buses should be improved along with the road condition that would not make passengers tiresome,”he said.
