The Railways has increased fares from 5 to 15 percent, which will be implemented from July 7. It is the second time in last two months that Railways has raised fares up to 15 percent on AC class, 5 percent on economy class while 10 percent on parcel.
From May to July 1, passengers' fares have surged by 25 percent while transportation charges by 20 percent. General Manager, Railways, Asad Saeed said the increase in oil and gas prices had forced the Railways to incased fares. He said the government was giving Rs 1 billion subsidy due to oil prices surge. The increase in fares had become essential, he added.
Realising the common people's financial problems, only 5 percent increase had been made on economy class, he asserted. Talking to the Business Recorder, passengers termed it anti-people and said that this new raise in fares would definitely aggravate their financial problems. Travelling by trains used to be very affordable and comfortable in the past but the government wanted to deprive the common people of this cheap means of journey.