Kolkata: Trains are arguably the most important public transport in India, used by thousands of people every day. Now, there is news that every passenger of the train should take notice. From next month, the train fares will increase marginally, according to reports. The ticket price of non-AC coaches in Mail and Express trains will increase by 1 paise per km. On the other hand, the ticket price for AC classes will come down by 2 paise per km.
According to a PTI report, a railway official said, “As compared to the previous fare revisions in 2020 and 2013, the current increase will be the lowest. As far as suburban train and monthly season tickets are concerned, it has been decided not to increase any fare in the interest of daily commuters.”
As per the report, there will be no change in the fare of second-class compartments up to 500 km of travel. If the travel distance is more than 500 km, fares can be hiked by half paisa per km. Reportedly, it was way back on January 1, 2020, that the train fare was last hiked. At that time, the fare of second-class compartments for ordinary and Mail/Express trains was increased by 1 paisa per km and 2 paise per km, respectively. Also, back then, the ticket prices of sleeper classes and all AC classes were raised by 2 paise per km and 4 paise per km.
The official said, “Before 2020, it was in 2013 when the train fares for all classes were revised significantly. For instance, the second-class fare for ordinary trains was raised by 2 paise and the second-class fare for Express/Mail trains increased by 4 paise. The sleeper class fare went up by 6 paise. In 2013, all AC class fares, except AC II, were increased by 10 paise/km, and AC II fare went up by 6 paise/km.”
Another major change by Indian Railways
Also, the Railways is going to implement another big change in July. To do away with the problem of middlemen, it is going to incorporate Aadhaar-based OTP authentication into the ticket reservation system.
From July 1, only those users authenticated with Aadhaar can book Tatkal tickets through the official website and mobile app of IRCTC. From July 15, Aadhaar-based OTP authentication is going to become mandatory to book Tatkal tickets online. Also, booking Tatkal tickets at computerised Passenger Reservation System counters and through authorised agents will need OTP authentication.
