People slam rail fare hike, demand better facilities

The union government announced increase in train fare prices Wednesday after a gap of 10 years.

"Basic necessities are so expensive. I earn Rs.5,000 per month and of that I spend Rs.3,000 on food and the rest for clothes and other daily necessities. In this tight budget, how can I afford the hike," said Prakash Kumar Yadav, a street vendor from Bihar.

For Babita Thappa, an executive, its not just travelling but the stress of budgeting daily products that worries her.

"A hike like this will totally upset my budget. Prices are going up but my income is not. There are a lot of goods that come via trains. When train fares increase, so will the costs of these products," she said.

Abhinav Mishra, a consultant, said: "I don't mind paying extra if that entitles me to better facilities and security. However, that is not the case and if the railways cannot provide basic facilities, how can they justify this hike?"

The increased fares will come into effect Jan 21.