Minister says no possibility of cut in rail fares

Just a week ahead of the rail budget, the government has ruled out the possibility of reducing train fares.

Speaking here Wednesday night Minister of State (MoS) for Railways Manoj Sinha ruled out the possibility of reducing the fares, saying they are already low due to government subsidy.

"It will not be done. Fares are already low and government is giving subsidy," Sinha said when asked about the possibility of a fare cut in the upcoming rail budget which would be tabled in parliament on Feb 26.

According to the minister, while the railways required more financial resources, the upcoming budget will also keep public interest in mind.

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu had also earlier rejected the idea of a reduction in passenger fares consequent to the lowering of diesel prices following the steep decline in international crude oil rates.

Parliament will commence the budget session on Feb 23. The railway budget will be presented on Feb 26, which will be followed by the economic survey on Feb 27 and the union budget on Feb 28.