Unfair Fare Hike
By Dr Arvind Kumar
The surprise hike in passenger fares announced by railway minister recently seemes to be a well-concerted move to raise revenue for the railways to avoid such a hike at the time of the railway budget. However, this move has elicited criticism from all segments. It is noteworthy that for almost a decade successive railway ministers have kept basic rail fares untouched. This seems to be an ill-advised move to tone up the dwindling railway finances under surging fuel costs and wage bills. Austerity measures and prevention of internal pilferage of revenue can prove more effective in narrowing down the deficit. Besides, other avenues of raising resources need to be explored and any move to hike fare should be avoided at a time when the credibility of the government is already at stake.
Public-private partnership model can be introduced in the Indian railways in feasible areas like ticketing, water and sanitation maintenance facilities at railway stations and other similar sectors. Public sector units of respective state governments can be involved in preparation of rail tracks, maintenance of security and other services. This will help in saving revenue and ensure speedy completion of work. While
sustaining the current drive to improve the functioning of the railway transport system, the Railway Ministry should also focus on improving water and sanitation facilities for the passengers which seldom puts extra burden on the revenue. Urgent measures are called for attracting private sector investment in the railways by fast-tracking PPP projects. This must go along with steps to urgently boost services by increasing capacity as well as improving safety and cleanliness of the rail network.
sustaining the current drive to improve the functioning of the railway transport system, the Railway Ministry should also focus on improving water and sanitation facilities for the passengers which seldom puts extra burden on the revenue. Urgent measures are called for attracting private sector investment in the railways by fast-tracking PPP projects. This must go along with steps to urgently boost services by increasing capacity as well as improving safety and cleanliness of the rail network.
