Rlys jack up fares through backdoor while amenities to travellers are trimmed

 

Even as COVID-19 situation has eased in country, barring some pockets, Indian Railways continues to tax the travellers. Though nearly 95 per cent of long distance trains are back on the track, special charges being collected from the travellers continues as it is as Railways continues to stonewall any querries in that direction. Moreover, in name of COVID-19, the facilities that used to be extended were cut down, for those travelling in air-conditioned compartments, but the corresponding correction in fare has not taken place. In short, Railways, it seems, is engaged in shortchanging the travellers.

In short, logic defies the working style of the national transporter that has led to people preferring private travel rather than paying the hefty ticket charges. There is nearly 10 to 30 per cent increase in fares after normalcy was restored post lockdown in aftermath of first wave of COVID-19. During that period for nearly six month passenger train services remained suspended throughout the country blowing a big hole in earnings of Indian Railways.

So when the Mail/Express trains were reintroduced, the Railways played a smart card as it froze concessions that were granted to various categories, including handicap, cancer patients, Gallantry award winners, senior citizens and for other sections. The decision was clearly taken as Railways wanted to recoup the losses it had suffered due to the extended lockdown. Though Railways was keen to withdraw the concessions it could not do so due to stiff opposition. But COVID-19 outbreak provided the perfect opportunity to stem any criticism as Railways stopped providing concession during booking of tickets.

Said Satish Yadav, Member, Zonal Users Consultative Committee, Central Railway, the worst affected is senior citizens who used to get substantial concession and also the cancer patients on humanitarian grounds. Explaining the trick of Railways, he said that first of all trains is being run as special trains by affixing zero, wherein the fare increase is between 10 to 15 per cent. For the festival special introduced on some sectors to cater to increased demand the increase in fare is quite steep, upto 30 per cent in air conditioned fares. This is hurting the travellers who have to shell out substantially higher fare and for most it is now out of reach and that explain the vacant seats in long distance trains despite easing of COVID-19 concern among travellers.

Owing to concerns over spread of infection, the Railways withdrew disbursal of bed roll to the travellers but the corresponding charges clubbed in tickets have not seen any correction, said Basant Shukla, Secretary, Bharatiya Yatri Kendra (BYK). Shukla said the Railways being a national transporter should ensure that they play fairly or otherwise they tend to lose trust of travellers. Though the saving for Railways is quite substantial the resultant transfer of petty correction in air conditioned fare should have been a natural policy.

On the contrary the services even in premium trains have taken abeating leaving a bad taste among travellers.

For those travelling in air conditioned coaches, Railways used to provide two bed sheets, one blanket and a pillow and for the same the fare used to tad higher that that of second sleeper classes. So when these amenities are not being provided, Railways should ensure that fare is adjusted accordingly, Shukla felt.