Overview

• The Railway Ministry raised non-air-conditioned fares by 1 paisa per kilometre and all air-conditioned fares by 2 paise per kilometre from July 1, leaving suburban single-journey and season-ticket rates untouched
• BSP chief Mayawati and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah labelled the increase anti-people and called for an immediate rollback to shield daily wage earners and students
• Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad defended the move, noting fares had been stable for years and asserting the hike is essential to fund safety, efficiency and facility upgrades
• Opposition leaders emphasise that even modest ticket hikes disproportionately affect crores of low-income commuters who depend on rail travel for livelihood
• Officials say the additional revenue will support station modernisation, enhanced safety systems and improvements in overall service efficiency