The comparison of train ticket prices between 2014 and 2024 for the Kolkata-Delhi route shows a notable increase across all classes. In 2014, during Dr. manmohan Singh's administration, ticket prices were considerably lower, with First Class AC priced at Rs 2935, Second Class AC at Rs 1805, Third Class AC at Rs 993, and Sleeper Class at Rs 390. Fast forward to 2024, under narendra Modi's administration, the ticket prices have surged significantly: First Class AC tickets now average Rs 5100, Second Class AC Rs 3800, Third Class AC Rs 2700, and Sleeper Class Rs 850. This sharp increase, especially in lower classes like Sleeper and Third AC, is causing many to question the government’s commitment to affordable travel for the average citizen, as train travel remains the most accessible mode for long-distance journeys in India.

The rise in prices can be attributed to various factors, such as inflation, increased operational costs, and a greater reliance on premium services like tatkal and dynamic pricing, which add to the overall cost of tickets. Additionally, modernizations and improvements in railway infrastructure are costly and are often funded, at least partially, by increasing ticket prices. While these changes may enhance the passenger experience and safety, they also place a heavier financial burden on travelers, particularly the middle and lower-income groups who rely on the railway system. The contrast between the relatively stable fares in the past and today’s prices has fueled debates on whether the railway’s primary role is to serve as an affordable public service or to operate more as a profit-generating entity.

This disparity in ticket pricing over the last decade has been highlighted in political discourse, where some media outlets, often termed "Godi media" by critics, have praised the current administration’s policies as "pro-people," even though the rising costs suggest otherwise for everyday citizens. The term "pro-people" is often associated with policies that benefit the common man, yet the rising ticket prices seemingly contradict this narrative by making travel more expensive. For many citizens, the increasing cost of train travel adds to the strain on household budgets, especially given stagnant wage growth for large portions of the population. This comparison invites questions about what constitutes a truly pro-people government: one that prioritizes affordability and accessibility in essential services, or one that justifies increased costs under the guise of modernization and improvement.
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Modi Manmohan

SIBY JEYYA

02/11/2024 12:13 PM