Staff Reporter:
INDIAN Railways has ratio
nalised its passenger fare struc
ture with effect from December
26, while ensuring minimal
impact on common passengers.
The revised structure focuses on
balancing rising operational
costs with affordability and
improved services.
As per the new rationalisation
there is no increase in fares for
suburban services and Monthly
Season Tickets (MSTs), no fare
hike in Ordinary Class journeys
up to 215 km, for Ordinary Class
journeys beyond 215 km, the
increase will be 1 paisa per kilo
metre, mail/Express Non-AC
classes will see an increase of 2
paise per kilometre and AC class
es will also have a marginal
increase of 2 paise per kilometre.
Under this rationalisation,
Indian Railways is expected to
earn approximately Rs 600 crore
during the current year.
For
instance, on a 500 km journey in
Non-AC coaches, passengers will
have to pay only Rs 10 extra.
Over the last decade, Indian
Railways has significantly
expanded its network and oper
ational capacity. To handle
higher levels of operations and
strengthen safety measures,
manpower has been increased.
As a result, manpower costs
have risen to Rs 1,15,000 crore,
while pension expenditure has
increased to Rs 60,000 crore.
The total operational cost for
2024–25 has reached Rs
2,63,000 crore.
To meet these rising costs,
Railways is focusing on enhanced
freight loading along with a lim
ited rationalisation of passenger
fares.
Owing to continuous
investments in safety and oper
ational improvements, Indian
Railways has recorded signifi
cant progress in safety standards
and has emerged as the second
largest cargo-carrying railway
system in the world.
The successful operation of
over 12,000 special trains during
the recent festival season further
reflects improved operational
efficiency.
Indian Railways reaffirmed
that it will continue striving for
greater efficiency and cost con
tainment, while fulfilling its social
obligations and ensuring safe,
reliable and affordable travel for
passengers.