Railways should roll back dynamic pricing, give priority to safety of passengers: Mamata Banerjee

Railways should roll back dynamic pricing, give priority to safety of passengers: Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged the railways to reconsider dynamic pricing for train tickets and prioritize the safety and security of travelers. Expressing concern over reports of skyrocketing ticket costs on various routes during the ongoing festive season, Banerjee, a former railway minister, emphasized that train fares should not surpass flight ticket prices.

Banerjee’s call for reconsidering dynamic pricing aligns with her concerns about affordability for common people, especially during critical times such as the festive season. The emphasis on safety and security underscores the importance of ensuring a balance between economic considerations and the well-being of passengers. The statement reflects Banerjee’s advocacy for a fair and equitable railway pricing system that takes into account the needs and concerns of the general public.

In a statement on a social media platform (referred to as “X”), Banerjee lamented the steep increase in railway passenger fares, particularly noting instances where fares on Suvidha trains exceeded airfares. She raised the question of where common people would turn in case of emergencies if ticket prices become prohibitive.

The call to roll back dynamic pricing and address fare disparities reflects concerns about accessibility for common people, especially during critical times. Banerjee’s advocacy for a balanced approach aligns with her emphasis on prioritizing affordability and safety in railway travel.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has called for the curbing and reduction of fare hikes while emphasizing the need to address safety and security concerns in railway travel. Banerjee expressed her views on social media, stating that attention must be given to ensuring affordability for passengers and enhancing safety measures.

Highlighting her past efforts during her tenure as the Railway Minister, Banerjee questioned why anti-collision devices and other anti-accident measures she had introduced were not being utilized to prevent the increasing number of train accidents. The Chief Minister urged the railways to prioritize safety initiatives to safeguard passengers.

The comments come in the context of reports of escalating prices for train tickets on certain routes connecting Bihar and Jharkhand with other important cities during the Chhath festivities. Banerjee’s stance reflects a broader concern for the welfare and accessibility of railway travel for the public.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw responded to concerns regarding a shortage of berths in non-AC coaches during the festive season, highlighting a significant increase in the number of special train trips compared to the previous year. The railways has undertaken 6,754 additional train trips between October 1 and December 31 to address the surge in passenger demand, a notable rise from the 2,614 trips operated during the same period last year.

Vaishnaw’s emphasis on the substantial augmentation of special train services underscores the railways’ proactive approach to enhance capacity and cater to the heightened travel requirements during the festive season. The deployment of additional train trips reflects a strategic effort to ensure that the railway network can effectively manage the increased passenger load and provide adequate transportation services. The minister’s statement is intended to assure the public of the railways’ commitment to meeting the demand and facilitating convenient travel experiences during this festive period.

Ashwini Vaishnaw’s statement serves as a reassurance to the public and aims to debunk reports of berth shortages during the festive season. The significant increase in the number of special train services, from 2,614 trips in the same period last year to 6,754 trips this year between October 1 and December 31, underscores the railways’ proactive efforts to enhance capacity and accommodate the higher demand during peak travel periods.

This response reflects the railways’ commitment to addressing the challenges and complexities associated with managing and meeting the travel needs of passengers, particularly during festive seasons when there is a surge in demand. The emphasis on additional train trips demonstrates a strategic approach to alleviate the concerns of passengers and ensure smoother travel experiences during this festive season. The railway’s commitment to enhancing capacity aligns with the goal of providing efficient and accessible transportation services to the public.