No rail fare hike for suburban commuters travelling up to 80 km

In a relief for suburban commuters in Mumbai local trains, the Railways have decided not to increase fares for the first 80 kms for those travelling in the 2nd class. Meanwhile, it has said that there will be a hike of 10 percent on season tickets for 2nd class and 1st class. [caption id=“attachment_1586923” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Representational image. AFP[/caption] However, the Railways have said this cannot be called a roll back of fares, but is restructuring. The move by the railways comes after protest from all from all fronts. This restructuring is not just for Mumbai but for suburban trains across India. However, Mumbai would have been the most affected by the steep hike in fares since the locals are its lifeline. The city local services consist of three lines—the Western, Central and Harbour lines—ferrying together over 70 lakh people per day. BJP member and Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council Vinod Tawde, met Rail Minister Sadananda Gowda and asked him to reconsider a steep hike in Mumbai local train fares. Tawde had tweeted on Monday that he would meet Gowda and that he was hopeful of a ‘positive result’. With PTI input