Minimum Train Fare raised thrice as part of revenue reform; passengers left in the lurch

The minimum train passenger fare will go up from ₹10 to ₹30, creating a sudden burden to the travellers already hit by the COVID crisis. Passenger trains will be changed to express trains and express to super fast, bringing an additional increase in fares.

The local stations that allow platforms for only passenger trains have been left helpless while 60 railway stations remain unoccupied due to this reform. Trains from Kasaragod to Shornur are relied upon by the bulk of travellers in Kerala.

The Mainline Electrical Multiple Unit (MEMU) service is unnecessary for passenger trains for small interval travels. In this context, demands have been made for a MEMU service in Malabar area to make up for the cancellation of passenger trains. Demands have also been raised for the provision of healthy and hygienic food services following the cancellation of pantry car services.

Authorities say they are seeking other ways to raise funds. Connecting cargos and freights to airports, efficiency in ticket-checking, coordinating auctions to sell fallen trees and scraps from railway tracks are the recommendations put forward by the Malabar Railway Users Forum and other organisations for the same.