THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister V Abdurahiman has written to the Central Government saying that charging high ticket fares from Sabarimala pilgrims is an exploitation and that it must be stopped. The special trains to Sabarimala are charging high rates and this has prompted the Minister in charge of railways in the state, Abdurahiman to shoot a letter to Union Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, complaining about the same.

The Minister, in his letter, said that exploiting Sabarimala pilgrims cannot be allowed. For a train journey from Hyderabad to Kottayam, the fare is Rs.590 for sleeper coach. However, the Sabari Special train charge is Rs.795, which is Rs.205 more.

Abdurahiman said that Sabarimala is a major pilgrim center in India where people from all religion and caste come. Looking at a pilgrim center with the eyes of profit is not good. Thousands of people from across India reach Sabarimala during the pilgrimage. Common man and those who are financially weak depend on trains to travel to Sabarimala.

In his letter the Minister requested the Railway Minister to intervene in the matter and to withdraw the high ticket rate.