Soon, an increase in Garib Rath train fare

The Indian Railways has decided to increase Garib Rath ticket prices; it was launched as a carrier for the poor over a decade ago. Now, with the rising cost of maintenance, such as the cost of linen, and sundry, officials have decided to revise its ticket price.
One of the most important items that has not been revised in the Garib Rath the last decade is that of bedrolls. So, now the office of the Deputy Controller and Auditor General (CAG), is looking to include the cost of the bedroll in the train fare. The Indian Railways currently provides bedroll kits in its air-conditioned coaches, the fare for which is included in the ticket fare. But this is not the same for Garib Rath coaches, wherein passengers can separately book the bedroll.

According to a senior official, “We have received the note and we are reviewing it. Prices cannot remain the same forever. There will be a review of the bedroll charges of the Garib Rath trains and they will likely be included in the price of the ticket in the next six months.”

The letter by the Deputy CAG, mentions that because the cost of the bedrolls has not been reviewed in the last 12 years, it is imperative to do so now. An ideal bedroll kit includes two sheets, a face towel, a blanket, and a pillow. The cost of this kit was priced at INR 25 INR in 2006 for those, who wanted to book separately and hasn’t changed ever since. This has raised questions regarding the need to hike the price.

The auditor mentions in the letter submitted, “Audit is of the opinion that the bedroll kit charges prescribed for the Garib Rath train should be revised accordingly and if possible, option for inclusion of bedroll kit charges in the fares of the Garib Rath train may be explored.”