New Delhi: Amidst rising inflation, the common man has got another setback. Actually, the platform ticket rate has been increased at some railway stations in Mumbai. Earlier these tickets were available for Rs 10, which has been increased to Rs 50. The Railway Department has taken this step to reduce the rush of people during the festive season.
Railway took a big decision
Actually, the huge crowd at Mumbai’s airport has increased the concern of the third wave of Corona. According to scientists, the third wave of Kovid may be back. In view of the situation of Corona epidemic in Maharashtra, especially in Mumbai, it has been decided to increase the rate of platform tickets.
Under this new rule, platform ticket prices have been increased at stations like Thane, Kalyan, Panvel besides Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Dadar and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus. All these stations come in Mumbai division only. Let us tell you that the rule of increased price will be applicable from 7 October. However, this rule will continue till further orders till the Railways gives any new instructions.
Railway gave information
In this regard, the Central Railway Zone has issued an official statement. According to this statement, ‘This step has been taken to prevent huge crowd in railway stations and platforms during the festive season. This decision has been taken to prevent crowding of people in the concourse and terminus of the station. Apart from passengers, platform ticket prices are being increased to reduce the number of people coming to the station and platform.
Price hike permanent
Earlier in March, the Railways had said that the hike in platform ticket prices is temporary and a precautionary measure to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The Railways also said that the Divisional Railway Managers (DRMs) have been given full authority to increase the price of platform tickets, who use it in view of the congestion situation at stations in their respective states.
DRM was given the right to increase or decrease the price of platform tickets in 2015 itself. The rule of increasing the ticket price has been in force for many years and it is adopted to control the crowd.
500 fine if not mask
On the other hand, the Railway Board has said that those who do not apply masks in railway stations and platforms will continue to be fined Rs 500. The period of the order issued for the prevention of corona virus epidemic has been extended till April next year. In an order of the board, it has been said that the direction to impose fine on people without wearing masks was in force till September, but now it has been extended for another six months.
