Rail passengers who have been shouldering the burden of increased fares since the coronavirus pandemic can now breathe a sigh of relief. The Indian Railways has rolled back the extra charges imposed during the pandemic on certain passenger trains, ensuring that travel becomes more affordable once again.
Reversion to Pre-Pandemic Fares
- End of Extra Charges: For an extended period post-Corona, passengers were required to pay additional fares on trains that were designated as special services. This was particularly noted in the Malda division, where six passenger trains continued to operate with increased fares.
- Relief for Passengers: The extra fare, which was around Rs 30 more than the standard rates, has been discontinued. Travelers can now enjoy the journey at the original, lower costs, making train travel more economical.
Impact on Specific Routes
- Example Fares: Previously, to travel from Jamalpur to Bhagalpur, the fare was Rs 35 in these special trains, which was significantly higher than the regular passenger train fare of Rs 15. Similar disparities were observed on routes from Jamalpur to Kiul and Jamalpur to Saharsa, where passengers were charged inflated fares.
- Restoration of Standard Fares: With the extra fees abolished, passengers can now travel at standard rates, paying significantly less than what was charged during the heightened period of the pandemic.
Details on the Trains Affected
- Trains Involved: The Malda Railway Division operated six pairs of special trains on the Sahibganj Loop Line. The trains affected included the Sahibganj-Jamalpur Passenger, Gaya-Rampurhat-Gaya Passenger, Jamalpur-Bhagalpur Passenger, Jamalpur-Kiul Passenger, Jamalpur-Gaya Passenger, and Jamalpur-Saharsa-Jamalpur passenger train.
- Fare Reduction: The revised fare structure means that travelers can now save up to Rs 30 per journey, depending on the specific route and distance covered.
This move by the Indian Railways to revert to the original fares is a commendable step towards easing the financial burden on daily commuters and regular passengers, particularly those who rely on these trains for everyday travel.
The adjustment back to the standard fare rates reflects the Railways’ recognition of the evolving needs of passengers and the importance of making rail travel accessible and affordable to all sections of society.
