The South Western Railway on Tuesday increased the price of platform tickets by 400% saying that it will decongest crowded railway platforms. The ticket price has been raised from ₹10 to ₹50.
In a press release, SWR said ticket price has been increased temporarily and will be applicable from March 18 to March 31.
Divisional Railway Manager Ashok Kumar Verma said, “Every day 2.5 lakh passengers use major railway stations in the city. We felt there is a need to restrict the entry of visitors at the platforms to decongest the platforms. This will also help in containing the spread of the COVID-19.”
Divisional railway managers have the powers to increase the price of platform tickets. Similarly, other zones like central and western railways have also increased prices of platform tickets.
However, a few passengers slammed the move saying railways is making Covid-19 as an excuse to generate revenue.
Meanwhile, SWR has cancelled train no. 08301 Sambalpur–Banaswadi Express from Sambalpur on March 18 and 25 and train no. 08302 BanaswadiSambalpur Express from Banaswadi on March 19 and 26 in the wake of poor patronage due to the coronavirus outbreak, the release added.
