Slightly higher fares only in less than 3 % of total trains running is a proactive measure to prevent crowding in trains and stop covid from spreading, clarifies Railways
New Delhi: Issuing a clarification on the recent media reports about higher price being charged from those travelling in passenger trains over small distances, the Ministry of Railways today stated that these “slightly higher fares” for passenger and other short distance trains had been introduced to discourage people from avoidable travels.
“With a view to regulate rush at stations and in trains, passenger trains are being charged slightly more fare than pre-Covid times and a close watch is being kept on its patronisation. The situation is being constantly monitored to ensure restoration of services in keeping with the protocols necessary to be followed during Covid times,” the Ministry stated. It explained that these fares were fixed at unreserved price of mail/ express trains for the same distance.
Pointing out that Covid was still around and in fact worsening in some States, it said little higher price had be seen as Proactive measure of Railways to prevent crowding in trains and stop Covid from spreading.
It may be recalled that Indian Railways had to stop running of regular trains due to Covid related nationwide lockdown on March 22, 2020 as a measure to counter the spread of Corona virus.
“Indian Railways is constantly increasing the number of passenger carrying trains in a graded manner. Full restoration of regular services of passenger trains, to pre Covid times, is to be considered keeping in view a range of factors and operational circumstances,” the Railways stated. It informed that during challenging times of Covid, it has operationalized almost 65 % of the Mail/Express trains and over 90 % of suburban services as compared to the pre lock down times. Total 1250 Mail/Express, 5350 suburban services and more than 326 passenger trains were now in operation on a daily basis, it mentioned.
Short distance passenger trains running presently constitute less than 3% of total trains. More such trains are in the pipeline in consultation with the State Governments. Such short distance trains require interstate discussions and concurrence of all concerned, the Ministry said. It disclosed that keeping in view the prevailing COVID situation, after introduction of Mail/Express trains, Railways was gradually operationalizing passenger trains taking all necessary precautions.
It may be noted that Passenger operations have always been subsidized by railways. Normally, Railways bears a loss on every journey by a passenger.
– global bihari bureau
