New Delhi: Ahead of Rail Budget, many MPs on Monday suggested increase in passenger fares, which has not been touched for eight years, to mobilise resources for undertaking safety related works in Railways.
"Time has come, Railways should rationalise passenger fares which has not been raised since 2003," said an MP after attending the Consultative Committee meeting chaired by Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi.
According to the MP, there was unanimity on passenger fare hike issue among almost all MPs present in the Consultative Committee meeting.
Welcoming the recommendations of two expert committees, constituted by railways to suggest way forward in safety and modernisation in the national transporter, the MPs emphasised that safety and modernisation are the needs of the hour.
The members unanimously and vociferously suggested that there cannot be any laxity or compromise on safety related works and initiatives and exhorted Railways to go all out to mobilize resources internally for implementing these recommendations.
Trivedi said that safety continues to be the highest priority of Indian Railways and all efforts will be made to strengthen safety. The Railway Minister was speaking at the Consultative Committee meeting of Members of Parliament for Ministry of Railways held.
The MPs in the meeting pointed out that the passengers want better facilities, amenities and safe travel and will not mind paying increased fare for that purpose.
They strongly felt that the time has now come for taking strong measures to raise resources as experts of both the Committees have projected huge requirements of funds for safety and modernisation.
They suggested that the Parliament Committee will back Railway Ministry's initiatives and efforts in this direction. They also emphasised the need for providing improved passenger amenities, clean linen, clean coaches and stations and improved punctuality.
Some also suggested improvements in catering services specially the hygiene and quality of food. Members also requested for expediting the work of various pending projects on doubling, gauge conversion and foot over bridge, road over bridges etc.
Trivedi said that the valuable suggestions and recommendations made by the Expert Committees are being looked into with an open mind.
He emphasised that the Ministry of Railways and the elected representatives will have to work as a team to achieve desired results for the betterment of the Indian Railways.
Chairman Railway Board, Vinay Mittal, Members of the Railway Board and senior officials of Ministry of Railways were among those present on the occasion.
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