Overview

• Indian Railways plans to raise fares by 1 paise per kilometre for non-AC classes and 2 paise per kilometre for AC coaches from July 1 to fund infrastructure improvements
• On June 25, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin wrote to Prime Minister Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw urging them to withdraw the fare increase and maintain existing general coach capacity
• AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami demanded immediate cancellation of the hike on June 26, warning it would deepen financial strain on students, workers and middle-class families
• Opposition leaders highlighted that reducing non-AC coaches alongside higher fares would disproportionately affect millions who depend on affordable rail travel
• Railway authorities have not yet responded to the appeals even as commuters and transport unions press for relief