Railways moves the ministry for fare hike

The Railway, in a bid to have minimum burden on economy class travelllers, has suggested an increase on parcel and freight charges and higher increase on air-conditioned class. Railway sources said that with an increase in fuel prices, the railway will have to take on financial burden of Rs 2 billion but in order to save travellers from over-burdening, it will absorb a burden of Rs 400 to 500 million.

Informed sources said that Railway is likley to increase the fares by 8 percent which means an economy class ticket of Rs 400 will cost Rs 430 while Airconditioned class will have a 15 percent hike in fare, 10 percent on parcel and 5 percent on freight charges.