Modi government made it difficult for people to travel by train, Congress said – Railway Minister should resign

New Delhi, 22 December. Regarding the increase in rail fares, Congress on Monday alleged that the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it difficult for people to travel by train. Party spokesperson Ajay Kumar also said that Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav should resign as “the condition of the Railways has deteriorated under him”.

The Railway Ministry had announced last Sunday that for journeys beyond 215 kilometres, there will be an increase of one paise per kilometer in ordinary class tickets and two paise per kilometer in non-AC classes of mail/express trains and air-conditioned classes of all trains. The new rates will be effective from December 26, 2025.

Speaking to reporters, Kumar claimed, “Ashwini Vaishnav has increased the railway fares twice since the formation of the Modi government for the third time in 2024.” He is so clever that he says that we have increased the fare by one paisa or two paisa per kilometer, but the general public has to bear the burden of Rs 100-200.” He claimed that in the last 10 years, railway fares have increased by 107 percent and the Modi government has made it difficult for people to even travel by train.

Congress spokesperson said, “The Railway Minister says that by increasing the fare, Railways will get a profit of Rs 600 crore. Whereas in Railways, the cost of a plate of food has become Rs 120, which was Rs 30 in 2014. In the parking lots of stations, a charge of Rs 500 is being charged after 30 minutes. Modi government has abolished the exemption given to senior citizens.” According to Kumar, the CAG report says that the food served in the train is not fit for people to eat.

He said, “Since 2014, there have been 712 train accidents in which 768 people have died.” The government has to understand that railways is the backbone of India’s economy and not a means of recovery. Kumar demanded, “Safety cover should be provided in the railway lines of the entire country.” Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav should resign, because the condition of Railways has deteriorated during his tenure. The relaxation given to the elderly in Railways should be reinstated.