A second fare hike in one month for the Indian Railways
Close on the heels of a fresh rise in passenger fares, Railways have decided to further hike the fares of premier trains such as Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto effective from October 17.
The ticket rates of Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto trains will go up further by about Rs 25 to Rs 27 with an upward revision in food tariff, a senior Railway Ministry official said.
This is the second increase in passenger fares applicable in a few selected trains in a month as Railways had increased the fares by 2 per cent in all trains on October 7.
Railway official maintained that the base fare of premier trains has not been increased and only food prices have been revised, which will result in overall hike in ticket rates.
The official said charges paid per meal to caterers have not been increased in the last 14 years. The Railways serve about 3.3 crore meals a year in these trains.
As per the decision, the ticket rates of AC-II, AC-III and Chair Car in premier trains will go up by about Rs 25 per ticket.
The AC-II, AC-III and Chair Car passengers comprise about 90 per cent of total passengers in such trains.
For AC-I, Executive class and Duronto Sleeper class the revised tariff will go up be about Rs 30 per ticket.
Those who have purchased tickets earlier, will have to pay the difference in the fare to TTEs in trains.