From April 1, when you visit Chennai Central or Egmore railway stations to see off your loved ones, you will have to pay more for a platform ticket.
The Ministry of Railways has decided to increase the price of a platform ticket from Rs. 5 to Rs. 10 to regulate the crowd entering the stations.
Many passengers have welcomed the move. “In fact, the price can be increased further. Many people accompany train passengers and congest the platforms. Several unwanted people too enter the station premises,” says K.S. Gopalakrishnan, former member of Zonal Railway Users Consultative Committee.
According to a circular issued by the Railway Board, dated March 16, divisional railway managers (DRMs) can increase the price of platform tickets beyond Rs. 10 to regulate passenger rush during fairs and rallies, after informing the Board.
The Railways have also given instructions to all zonal railway offices to print revised tickets on top priority and ensure supply to all stations well in advance.
“Till the revised tickets are made available, the old stock of tickets can be used with the new price stamped on it. Necessary instructions have been given to modify the price in the software used for issuing platform tickets through vending machines at stations, enquiry systems, and websites,” said a railway official.
Till 2012, the price of platform tickets was Rs. 3 per person. But in the railway budget, the price was hiked to Rs. 5.
However, some passengers feel proper checking is necessary to ensure everybody purchases the tickets.
“Many platform dwellers sleep at Chennai Central station, but nobody monitors this. There is a need to improve the toilets, drinking water facility and cleanliness at the stations. The Railways should also improve the quality of service,” said S. Mohanram, former member, Divisional Railway Users Consultative Committee.
