As of now no hike in train fares: Sinha

The railways has not taken any decision to hike the train fare to neutralise the impact of increased financial burden which the ailing national transporter is going to face for implementing 7th Pay Commission for its employees.
When asked about a hike in fare in the backdrop of implementation of recommendations of 7th Pay Commission, Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha told reporters, "No decision on fare has been taken as of now."
Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu, however, parried questions on the issue.
The 7th Pay Commission is likely to have an impact on the railways, one of the largest public sector employer in the country with over 1.3 million employees.

Prabhu today launched a portal 'NIVARAN' for redressal of service related grievance of serving and former railway employees.
Speaking on the occasion he said the employees grievance redressal system will help bring in more transparency and also save the cost.

"Most of the issues are related to transfers. This system will now bring in more transparency. With this system in place, a person working in Assam or any other part of the country won't have to come to Delhi," Prabhu said.
He, however, suggested that the system should also have an option of regional languages that can help Group D employees especially from South India.

Prabhu further said through this portal the railways will try to improve the system by collecting feedback.
Sinha termed it as "good initiative" and said this portal would help in quick resolution of the grievances of railway employees and former railway employees.
The portal is developed by CRIS, the IT arm of Indian Railways, on the basis of process designed by Establishment Directorate of Railway Board which deals with staff matters and technical guidance of Computerisation and Information System Directorate.