Passenger fares should be lowered due to falling diesel prices, says the website Local Circles, based on collective inputs from 75,000 members who form the ‘Make Railways Better’ group. Local Circles said this view is based on collation of key citizen priorities for the forthcoming Railway budget.

Review likely

Fuel charges account for about 20 per cent of railways’ operational cost, with diesel accounting for a larger share of the total bill. Railways has a fuel adjustment component mechanism, which is likely to be reviewed this budget. A top Railway official had also earlier expressed the view that passenger services are still subsidised.

Meanwhile, the online group hosted by Local Circles has also called for increasing the number of two-tier and three-tier air-conditioned coaches to keep up with demand. The demand may be seen in the perspective of the huge waiting list for tickets, particularly during peak season.

The community has reiterated that top priority should be given to significantly improve cleanliness and hygiene of toilets, pantry car, rail coaches, tracks and stations.

Electronic surveillance

To improve safety, the group has said that electronic surveillance should be increased in stations and onboard trains. Funds should be allocated for upgrading safety staff augmentation and training for the Railway Protection Force.

Anti-collision devices should be installed in trains to prevent fatal accidents…railway ticket booking system should be improved; system and server services should be upgraded to the latest technology, it was widely felt.

Ticket issues

The group’s other suggestions include easier ticket booking, elimination of agents and train ticket examiner or counter discretion minimised for reservation based on last minute cancellations.

Another demand relates to lowering the bookings with regards to emergency/VIP quota. “The emergency quota should be reduced by 50 per cent and tickets should be accessible for genuine needs of citizens,” it stated.

Modernisation of stations, luggage and passenger management, accessibility for the disabled and parking facilities were some other suggestions put forth.

The online group hosted by Local Circles has also called for increasing the number of two-tier and three-tier air-conditioned coaches to keep up with demand.

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