Railways maintain 200% fare increase, fail to restore senior citizen discounts post-COVID

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Railways did not withdraw the fare increase temporarily implemented in passenger trains during the COVID period. The rate has been increased by 200 percent. Railways has been saying that the fare will be reduced soon, but no steps have been taken to do so. During the COVID period, the exemptions of senior citizens were also taken away. There are reports that it is impossible to restore this too.

Earlier, the lowest ticket price in passenger trains was Rs 10. The minimum fare was increased by 200 percent after these trains were converted into special express during the COVID period. Although the Railways has announced that the increased charge will be withdrawn, this has only been implemented in very few trains. The lowest ticket price is still 30 rupees. The minimum charge is Rs 30 in the train which has finally started running on the Kannur-Shornur route.

Earlier there was up to 50 per cent discount for senior citizens on train fares. Railways is not yet ready to restore this benefit which was taken away during COVID. Even the benefits which were given to common people for ages were taken away in the name of temporary when the revenue of flags including ticket cancellation fee was received. No action was taken to restore it later.