RailEnquiry

The railway board has declared an increase in passenger fares in all mail and express trains by 2 per cent and freight tariff by 1.7 per cent. While the revised passenger fare will come into effect from October 7, the increased freight charge will be applicable from October 10.While travelling in chair car between Pune and Mumbai will cost passengers Rs 8 more, for a second-class journey, the fare has increased by Re 1.The II AC journey between Pune and Delhi will be dearer by Rs 40 and III AC journey will cost Rs 27 more. Passengers travelling in sleeper class will have to shell out Rs 6 more.This is the second increase in passenger fares this year after a 20 per cent hike in January.Harsha Shah of Railway Pravasi Group said that due to the increased expenses, the Indian Railway needs additional revenue and such hikes can be condoned if it comes with improved facilities for the passengers who will have to shell out more money."This is the third fare hike within a very short time and passengers will obviously feel burdened. However, if this hike means that the Pune Division will get additional infrastructure and facilities, then passengers will find not mind it. It is not done if they earn more money from this region and use it for conducting development work at other places," said Shah.