NEW DELHI: The Indian
Railways in a notification reportedly announced a hike in platform ticket rates at most
stations. However, the
Ministry of Railways has termed the hike in the prices as a 'temporary measure'.
The
ministry has said that the step has been taken in the wake of ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and in the interest of the safety of passengers, to prevent overcrowding at stations.
Issuing the clarification, the Ministry had said that regulation and controlling of the crowd at stations is the responsibility of the Divisional Railway Managers (DRMs).
"It is a temporary measure and field activity undertaken by the railway administration in the interest of the safety of passengers and to prevent overcrowding at stations," Ministry said in a statement.
"Deterring more persons to visit the station, the platform ticket charges are increased from time to time after assessing the ground situation. The power to change charges of platform tickets has been delegated to DRMs due to field management requirements," it added.
The Ministry said the measure is in practice for many years and is used occasionally as a short-term crowd control measure and "there is nothing new about it."
In February, the Railways had announced the 'slight hike' in the ticket fares of short-distance passenger trains to discourage people from unnecessary travel.
(With inputs from agencies)