MP A A Rahim Urges Centre to Roll Back Railway Passenger Fare Hike

New Delhi: CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP A A Rahim has written to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, urging the immediate withdrawal of the Railways’ decision to increase passenger fares.

In his letter, Rahim criticised the proposed fare hike of one paise per kilometre for ordinary class travel and two paise per kilometre for AC coaches. While the increase may appear marginal, he said it would place a significant financial burden on the common people who depend on railways for their daily travel.

Rahim pointed out that the country is currently facing rising inflation and unemployment. Workers, students, small traders, migrant labourers and other low-income families rely heavily on the railway system for affordable transportation. Any increase in travel costs, he said, would disproportionately affect these sections.

He further noted that prices of essential commodities, fuel and food items are already rising, making it increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens to manage their expenses. Adding higher travel costs to this situation would be unbearable for many families, Rahim warned.

The MP emphasised that at a time when the country is facing economic challenges, the government has a responsibility to strengthen public sector services, including public transport. However, he alleged that the Indian Railways sees public merely as a revenue-generating source.

Rahim called on the Central government to change this approach, strengthen public transport systems, and immediately roll back the recent hike in railway passenger fares.