Railways Restrict DRMs From Raising Rate Of Platform Tickets

Facing criticism over the increase in rate of platform tickets during the Diwali and Chhath festivals, the Railways has withdrawn the power of raising ticket rate from Divisional Railway Managers all over the country.

With the latest move, now the Railway Board will decide on raising the rate of platform tickets.

While the rate of platform ticket is Rs 10, it was raised upto Rs 50 at many stations during the recently concluded Diwali and Chhath festivals to discourage relatives and friends to accompany passengers to the platform.

The increased rate of platform tickets was ranging between Rs 30 and Rs 50 at some stations. However, the decision for raising ticket rate to prevent rush at platforms did not augur well and the national transporter faced flak for the step and finally decided to withdraw this particular platform ticket rate.

According to the circular issued by the passenger marketing department on 4 November, the power delegated to DRMs to decide the rate of platform ticket is withdrawn with immediate effect.

According to a DRM stationed in the northern region, it was purely a crowd management strategy as many relatives and friends came along with the passenger to see him off at the platform. There are also incidents of stampedes due to the heavy rush at platforms.

Though the power to raise ticket price was withdrawn, DRMs still have power to restrict the entry of an increased number of visitors to the platform through other measures like closing the entry points and allowing only train ticket holders except patients, senior citizens and women who can be accompanied with visitors.