Amid widespread criticism over the purported increase in train journey ticket fares to be effective from April 1, the railway ministry has refuted claims of any such decision being taken.
The government is likely to increase the train fare based on the distance by removing the concession facility on the distance in kilometres, which will be effective from April 1.
At the same time, the authorities concerned are likely to impose a ‘Reservation Service Charge’ for those who want to rent a coach for their journey purpose.
In this situation, Railways Minister Md Zillul Hakim said that Railway fares would not increase in any way before Eid. We have no plan to increase the fare even shortly.
However, as per the railway information, currently, the concession facility is 20 per cent on fares from 101 to 250 km, 25 per cent on 251 to 400 km and 30 per cent on 401 km is no longer there. This time the distance will be the opposite.
The new fare system will increase fares by 0 per cent for 0-100 km, 20 per cent for 101-250 km, 25 per cent for 251-400 km and 30 per cent for distances above 400 km.
Apart from this, reservation service charges of 20 per cent for the Sobhan class and 30 per cent for Snigdha and other higher classes will be levied on additional coach tickets added through advance application.
According to railway sources, to withdraw the concession facility, a letter was sent to the Prime Minister’s Office and on March 2, it was approved. The Railways has decided to implement the withdrawal of the exemption on April 1.
However, railway department claims that the proposal to remove the concessional facility has already been approved. Only one facility is being canceled. The rent is not being increased again.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Railway Director General (Acting) Sardar Shahadat Ali said, “The benefit which was given on kilometres for so long is being cancelled. We want to implement it from April 1.”
In this regard, the railways minister said, “If there is a need to increase the fare, we will discuss with everyone including journalists and explain the situation to the common people and then we will think about it.”