Shell out more for train travel

Railway Minister Sadanand Gowda had announced on June 20 an increase in train fares by steep 14.2 per cent. The new fares come into effect from Wednesday, June 25. Not only the passenger fares, freight rates for all commodities have also been hiked by about 6.5 per cent from June 25. The fare hike came as a big shock to monthly season ticket (MST) holders. While there was loud protest over steep hike in fares of local trains, the government has now withdrawn hike in these fares for second class upto 80 kms.