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Congress Demands Minister's Resignation Amid "Surreptitious" Rail Fare Hike

The Congress party has launched a fierce attack on the Modi government over a recent railway fare increase. Senior leader Ajoy Kumar demanded the resignation of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, calling the hike a "surreptitious" burden on common citizens. The party claims fares have skyrocketed by 107% over the last decade while safety has been neglected, citing hundreds of accidents. They are demanding a rollback of the hike, reinstatement of concessions, and a greater focus on safety over prestige projects like bullet trains.

Key Points: Congress Slams Modi Govt Over Rail Fare Hike, Demands Vaishnaw Resign

  • Congress demands Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw's resignation over deteriorating rail conditions
  • Fares have risen 107% in 10 years, from 32 to 66 paise per km
  • Party highlights 712 accidents since 2014 and criticizes bullet train spending
  • Withdrawal of senior citizen concessions has cost them Rs 8,600 crore, says Congress
2 min read

Congress slams Modi govt over rail fare hike, demands minister's resignation

Congress attacks Modi government over railway fare increase, demands Railway Minister's resignation, citing 107% fare hike over 10 years and safety concerns.

"This is a surreptitious move that burdens common citizens. - Senior Congress leader Ajoy Kumar"

New Delhi, Dec 22

Congress on Monday launched a scathing attack on the Narendra Modi-led government over the recent railway fare increase, calling it a "surreptitious" move that burdens common citizens.

Senior Congress leader Ajoy Kumar demanded the resignation of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, accusing him of deteriorating the national carrier's condition.

Addressing a press conference, Kumar described the hike - announced quietly via a circular and effective from December 26 - as the second in the current term (post-July 2025).

He claimed fares have risen 107 per cent in 10 years under Modi, from 32 paise per km at the end of the UPA era to 66 paise now.

Though the government portrays it as a nominal 1-2 paise per km increase (1 paise for ordinary class beyond 215 km; 2 paise for non-AC mail/express and all AC classes), Kumar said it translates to Rs 100-200 extra for average passengers.

The revision is expected to generate Rs 600 crore till March 2026, following Rs 700 crore from the July hike.

Kumar criticised the withdrawal of senior citizen concessions, alleging it has cost them Rs 8,600 crore. He highlighted other rises: platform tickets from Rs 3 to Rs 50 (though the current standard is Rs 10-50 at select stations), train meals from Rs 30 to Rs 120, and Rs 500 parking fees for over 30 minutes.

Citing CAG reports, he claimed train food is often unfit for consumption.

On safety, Kumar noted 712 accidents since 2014, causing 768 deaths.

He contrasted Rs 1.08 lakh crore spent on bullet trains with inadequate funding for the 'Kavach' anti-collision system, urging its immediate nationwide rollout.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge echoed the criticism, accusing the government of "looting" the public amid neglect, overcrowding, and delays.

The party demanded a rollback, reinstatement of concessions, and prioritisation of safety over prestige projects.

Railway officials defended the "rationalisation" as necessary for rising costs, exempting suburban services, short ordinary journeys, and season tickets to minimise the impact on daily commuters.

The opposition's onslaught highlights growing concerns over affordability and safety in India's vast rail network.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While I understand the need for rationalization due to rising costs, the way this was done—quietly via a circular—lacks transparency. It feels disrespectful to the citizens. The withdrawal of senior citizen concessions is particularly harsh. Our elders have contributed so much; they deserve better.
A
Ananya R
Congress is right to raise these points, but where were they all these years? Railway reforms are needed, but it cannot be at the cost of burdening the middle and lower classes. The focus must be on improving basic amenities, cleanliness, and most importantly, the Kavach system. Safety cannot be compromised.
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Vikram M
A 107% increase in 10 years is shocking! My monthly travel budget for visiting family has doubled. The government should explain what improvements we have seen for this money. The stations are better, I agree, but the core service—timely, safe, affordable travel—seems to be deteriorating.
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Priya S
It's always the common citizen who suffers. ₹50 for a platform ticket? ₹120 for a meal that might not even be fit to eat? This is pure exploitation. The minister should definitely answer for the state of affairs. We need a functional railway, not just fancy Vande Bharat launches for photo ops.
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Michael C
As someone who travels frequently for work, I've noticed the gradual creep. A few paise here, a few rupees there. It adds up. The argument about rising costs is valid globally, but the execution and communication have been poor. A more honest dialogue with the public is needed.

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