Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticized the Center for increase in railway fares and said that it would put the burden on students, daily wage workers, small traders and common man. He accused the BJP of protesting against the policies of the state government and adopting double standards to remain silent on the Center’s decision.
Siddaramaiah said in his X post on Tuesday, “Railway fares increase !!
Demanding the immediate withdrawal of the growth, Siddaramaiah said that he is standing with the people of Karnataka and the country, who are being forced to pay more for the necessary journey. He said, “This increase in rent should be withdrawn immediately.
He said, “Do not make the daily journey of the people another jumla. Let the trains run, not the patience of the people.” He targeted the BJP’s Karnataka unit and said that the party has no problem in protesting against the increase in milk prices to help the farmers, but it is silent on the decision -burning decisions.
He said, “When we increased the prices of milk to help our farmers, the BJP workers shouted on the streets and called it ‘anti -people’. But now, when the BJP -led central government increased the railway fares, the silence was covered. Why did the farmers or the poor get no help from this increase – it helps the BJP government only to fill its treasure.”
The Ministry of Railways has announced to rationalize the fare of the passenger train, which has come into force from 1 July 2025. According to the new structure, for a journey of more than 500 kilometers, the fare of non-un-wide ordinary second class coaches will increase by half a paisa per kilometer.
This means that the fare will increase by Rs 5 for traveling between 501-1500 km, Rs 10 for 1501-2500 km and Rs 15 for 2501-3000 km.
Sleeper and first class fares will also increase at the rate of per kilometer. Mail and express trains will increase the second class fares by one paise per kilometer, while the fares of other categories will also increase the same ratio. However, there will be no change in the fares of suburban trains and season tickets.
Siddaramaiah compared this to the Bangalore Metro fare hike and accused the BJP that it was accusing the state government despite the Central Committee recommended to increase the fare hike.