CHENNAI: The recommendations of the railway fare review committee like higher fare for lower berths/window seats, airlines like ticketing system and the flexi-fare system have received severe opposition from rail passengers, who dubbed the move as elite friendly.
According to the fare committee recommendations submitted to the Indian Railway Board, passengers booking their train tickets months in advance might get hefty discounts depending on the vacancy like airlines. However, passengers who book their tickets days or hours before the commencement of the journey might shed more from their wallets, if the railway board approves the recommendations.
“The recommendations of the fare committee will definitely hurt the poor and middle-class passengers. Rich people can spend more, but the poorer will be affected,” National Rail Users Consultative Committee member and Tiruvallur MP P. Venugopal said.
Venugopal also assured that he would raise the issue in Parliament during the upcoming budget session. “I will reflect the concerns of the rail passengers,” he added.
Furthermore, the fare review committee also recommended increasing the fare of lower berths and window seats. The committee also recommended the railway board to increase the fares during festive seasons.
Meanwhile, rail passengers also have warned that new recommendations would create possible conflicts between passengers.
“As of now, passengers occupying window seats and lower berths may give up their seats for the needy. No one will sacrifice their seats if they have paid the extra fare,”K. Baskar, member, Divisional Rail Users Consultative Committee, said.
Baskar also urged the railway board to continue with the existing fare system. “How could pregnant women and senior citizens get lower berths if others occupy them by paying more?” asked Baskar. It may be recalled that the railway board had constituted the fare review committee during last December.
