Increase in the prices of railway tickets in the past three years

2485. SHRI VISHNU DAYAL RAM

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is aware of the average cost of three-tier ticket, if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government is aware of the increase in the prices of railway tickets in the past three years, if so, the details of increase in prices, year-wise;

(c) whether there has been a decrease in train travel in the past two years, if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the recent increase in railway ticket prices had an impact on the travel experience for an average traveller; and

(e) if so, the details in this regard?

(a) to (e): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

 

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2485 BY SHRI VISHNU DAYAL RAM TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 15.03.2023 REGARDING INCREASING PRICES OF RAILWAY TICKETS

(a): There are different fare structures for AC-3 tier coaches depending upon categorisation of train Services. Lowest basic fare for AC-3 tier is in Garib Rath trains. Basic Fare for higher categories of train services like Mail/Express, Rajdhani, Duronto,  Humsafar etc are higher. Moreover, Flexi fare is applicable in AC-3 tier coaches of Rajdhani and Duronto trains in which basic fare increases upto 1.4 times of basic fare.

(b): Last rationalisation in basic fare of railway tickets was done with effect from 01.01.2020, which is more than three years ago. A small fare increase of 1 paisa per kilometer in Ordinary Non-AC (Non- suburban), 2 paisa per kilometer in Mail/Express Non-AC and 4 paisa per kilometer in AC classes was made. No increase was made in Suburban single journey fare and season tickets for both Suburban & Non-Suburban.

(c): The number of passengers originating during 2020-21 and 2021-22 are 1250 millions and 3519 millions respectively. The number of passengers decreased in 2020-21 due to Covid-19 Pandemic impact. However, since 2021-22 there has been a steady increase in number of Passengers.

(d) & (e): Do not arise.

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