New Delhi, 22 December (H.S.): Congress leader and former MP Ajay Kumar launched a scathing attack on the central government on Monday over relentless increases in rail passenger fares, asserting that fares have surged by 107 percent over the past decade, rendering rail travel increasingly burdensome for the public.

Addressing journalists at the Congress headquarters, Kumar highlighted the Railway Minister's claim that fare hikes would generate Rs 600 crore in profits for Indian Railways, yet the direct onus falls squarely on passengers. He accused the Modi government of abolishing concessions for senior citizens and inflating meal prices from Rs 30 in 2014 to Rs 120 currently.

Parking Fees Soar, Overcrowding Persists Amid Partial HikeKumar decried exorbitant station car parking charges of Rs 500 after 30 minutes and referenced a February stampede incident where only 17 general class coaches—with a capacity of 1,700—were deployed despite 9,600 tickets sold.

Branding Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw the Reel Minister, he noted two fare increases since the government's 2024 formation, translating to Rs 100-200 extra per passenger despite official claims of mere 1-2 paise per kilometer.The partial fare hike for long-distance trains takes effect from December 26.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar