Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav informed the Lok Sabha that train fares in India are remarkably low, making them a great value compared to those in neighboring countries. For instance, a 350-kilometer journey in India costs merely Rs 121, while the same trip costs Rs 436 in Pakistan, Rs 323 in Bangladesh, and Rs 413 in Sri Lanka.
Fares are 3 to 4 times lower than those of our neighbors
This indicates that our fares are 3 to 4 times lower than those of our neighbors. Furthermore, when compared to Europe, where fares are five times higher than in India, the difference is even more pronounced. It is also important to highlight that Indian Railways has not raised fares since 2020, meaning that despite rising inflation, the Railways has prioritized affordability for passengers.
Special trains
As many are aware, train occupancy during festivals can be extremely high, often leaving little room to stand. However, the Railways has made preparations to address this issue. Last year, 604 special trains were operated during Holi, 13,000 during the summer season, and 8,000 for Diwali-Chhath. Additionally, 17,330 special trains were deployed for the Maha Kumbh, and this year, 1,107 extra trains are scheduled for Holi. This demonstrates the Railways’ commitment to accommodating passengers.
Safety
Safety remains a top priority as well. Following the recent stampede at Delhi railway station, significant measures are being implemented. Holding areas are being constructed at 60 major stations, CCTV systems are being installed, war rooms are being established, and foot-over bridges are being expanded. Over the past 20 years, railway accidents have decreased by an impressive 90%.
Minister Vaishnav attributed this achievement to Prime Minister Modi, emphasizing that a focus on safety, increased investment, and the adoption of modern technology have contributed to this remarkable progress.