Mamata Unlikely to Hike Passenger Fares

Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee is expected to present a populist budget with no hike in passengers fares, reported CNN-IBN.

Claiming to have exclusive details of budget, the news channel reported that budget was unlikely to hike passenger fares, though there could be a selective increase in freight rates.

With Centre facing a lot of criticism over inflation, freight rates of foodgrains and fertilizers are expected to remain as it is, said report.

However, rates of iron ore, coal and cement could rise, report said.

Report said that Banerjee could have more Duranto’s – her brainchild – connecting two major cities.

She could bring in a special Railway Security Fund with more schemes to bring traffic back from the road to the railway tracks, said report.

Currently Railways enjoy a market share of 30 per cent of total goods traffic.