Chennai: The railway budget 2016 came in for praise from passengers as there is no fare hike for them in either suburban or long distance trains.
Many passengers are pinning their hopes on unreserved long distance trains that are to be operated during rush hours. Asked to rate the budget, commuters at major stations in the city gave seven to eight on a scale of 10.
“Even though no new trains have been announced, keeping the fares unchanged with addition of long distance unreserved trains and providing facilities like Wifi and better amenities are indeed positive steps ahead,” said K.C. Parthiban, an LIC employee, commuting to Kanchipuram daily.
Many elderly citizens who spoke to DC felt that the budget has looked into their concerns during travel. “The decision to increase the lower berth quota for people like us is a great relief,” said 64-year-old M. Kanakalatha, a weekly traveller to Madurai.
Most suburban train travellers felt that the plan to upgrade amenities, including toilet facilities, will benefit them. However, a few passengers felt that the budget should have looked into the dynamic pricing system and introduction of ‘costly’ Suvidha trains.
“With no new trains similar to that of last year, we hope no new special Suvidha trains that charge exorbitant rates during peak seasons would be added,” said J.Manikantan, a auto shop owner and a weekly traveller to Arakkonam.
