Rail fare hike: First time in five years

New Delhi: In its first fare hike in five years, the railways on Tuesday announced increase in passenger charges that will see ticket prices rise by Rs 55-60 if you travel between Delhi and Mumbai or Kolkata on a Rajdhani from Wednesday but did not touch suburban train fares.

 

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Though the fare increase is modest, in the range of 1-4 paise per km for different classes of travelers, the railways expect to generate an additional about Rs 2,300 crore annual revenue at a time when its finances are under acute stress.

 

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A hike had become pressing considering revenue shortfall during this fiscal (up to November-end) was close to Rs 20,000  crore. The operating ratio has increased to 121% till November-end during the current financial year as compared to 113% in the same period in 2018-19. Operating ratio is the amount spent to earn Rs 100, a higher ratio indicating poor financial health.

 

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While opting for an increase on long-distance travel, the railways has not burdened passengers travelling in suburban trains and season tickets have also excluded from the hike. With nearly two-thirds of the passenger traffic accounted for by suburban rail, the segment accounts for a large share of losses for the state transporter. Those who have already pre-booked the tickets won’t have to pay extra.

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