Mayawati Slams Centre Over Railway Fare Hike Amid Economic Challenges

BSP Chief Mayawati criticizes the Centre's decision to raise railway fares, calling it a business-minded move amid rising unemployment and poverty. The revised fare structure will affect various train classes, with certain exemptions, as part of an Indian Railway Conference Association update.

Amid economic hardship, BSP Chief Mayawati has criticized the central government's decision to increase railway passenger fares, describing it as a business-first move against public welfare.

Mayawati highlighted issues of unemployment and poverty in her attack, arguing that the fare hike piles additional pressure on the already burdened public. She emphasized the necessity of rail travel for job-seekers and urged the government to reconsider.

The Ministry of Railways announced the fare revision, set to affect multiple train classes with variations based on distance traveled. Notably, some suburban and single-journey fares remain unchanged, but other classes will see increases per kilometre. The updated fares will be effective from July 2025, with no retrospective changes to previously issued tickets.

(With inputs from agencies.)