Fares don't pinch, still cheaper than bus for sleeper class

MANGALORE: Travelling to the state capital by train will be a tad costlier but will not pinch either the middle class or upper class passengers.
As per the budget presented by railways minister Dinesh Trivedi on Wednesday the increase in fares between Mangalore- Bangalore works out to a minimum of Rs 25 to a maximum of Rs 76 from sleeper class to two tier air-conditioned class passengers.
The present rate for sleeper class tickets is Rs 224 which will become Rs 250 from the next fiscal. Likewise, the three tier air-conditioned rates will go up by Rs 51 from the present Rs 601 to Rs 652. The two tier air-conditioned class prices will be increased by Rs 76.35, from Rs 822 to 898.35.
But they are still cheaper than the KSRTC bus fares— Rs 396 for Rajahamsa as against sleeper class.
Speaking about the Railway Budget, Puttur Railway Yatrikara Sangha convener Dinesh K Bhat said that the fare hike was a welcome move. "It is essential for the economic health of the Indian Railways,’’ he said. However, he was disappointed that of the seven express and three passenger trains announced none were for the coast.
There was silver lining with Kabaka Station at Puttur being developed as Adarsha Railway Station,’ which was announced by then railway minister Mamata Banerjee.
Bhat said the plan entails a spend of Rs 2-3 crore and would give ten types of facilities like upper class waiting rooms and coach guidance system among others.
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