Speaking on the matter, Dr. Kumar directly targeted Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, claiming that passenger fares have been revised upward twice since the current government assumed office last year. He argued that the government often presents these hikes as negligible by highlighting an increase of just one or two paise per kilometre, while ignoring the cumulative impact on long-distance travellers. According to him, these incremental changes translate into an additional expense of ₹100 to ₹200 per journey for many passengers.
The Congress leader further asserted that railway fares have risen by as much as 107 percent over the past decade, a trend he attributed to the policy approach of the Modi government. He warned that rising ticket costs are steadily making train travel less accessible for common citizens, particularly those who rely on railways as the most affordable mode of long-distance transportation.
Dr. Kumar also criticised the government for emphasising profitability and revenue figures while, in his view, overlooking the growing strain on household budgets. He said that the focus on financial performance fails to reflect the everyday challenges faced by millions of passengers who depend on the rail network.
The renewed criticism adds to the broader political debate over public transport affordability and the role of the railways as a public service rather than a profit-driven entity. As fare revisions continue to draw scrutiny, the controversy underscores the wider question of balancing fiscal management with social responsibility in one of the country’s most vital public institutions.
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