Railways hikes charges for Tatkal tickets.

Mangaluru :  The Indian Railways, which had recently increased ticket cancellation charges and introduced full fare for children availing themselves of train berths, has now decided to increase Tatkal charges ahead of Christmas and New Year. The charges would be effective from December 25, said a circular from the Ministry.

                   The minimum Tatkal charge for sleeper class has been increased from Rs.90 to Rs.100 and the maximum charges from Rs.175 to Rs.200.

                   Similar hikes are made in other classes of journey too - - A.C. Chair Car from Rs.100 and Rs.200 to Rs.125 and Rs.225; 3 AC from Rs.250 and Rs.350 to Rs.300 and Rs.400 and 2 AC and Executive Class from Rs.300 and Rs.400 to Rs.400 and Rs.500. While the hike is Rs.25 in SL and CC categories, it is Rs.50 in 3 AC and Rs.100 in 2 AC and Executive Class.

                   R.Ram Mohan, a resident of Bengaluru, said there had been hefty hikes in various services of the Railways since two years, including cancellation charges. "Once a year affair through Budget has become ' now and then' affair by executive orders," he said.

( Chennai edition of " The Hindu " Thursday, December 24, 2015 ).

Courtesy : M.P.Subrahmanian.