5 states have reported a rise in covid positive cases. The situation is worsening in these states. People are also subjected to screening and are discouraged to travel. To keep a control over the rush in train travel, the Railway Ministry has come up with the idea of increasing rail fare.

The Ministry informed that since covid is on the rise once again particularly in 5 states, it has been decided to implement certain changes, the main one being discouraging people from travelling. Since social distancing has gone for a toss and people are spotted without masks and since railway stations witness huge gatherings at one place, the Railway Ministry has decided to increase the fares of short-distance trains.

The main objective is to discourage travelling and it is quite likely that once the fares for short routes are hiked, public will refrain from travelling which can be avoided in such circumstances. The fares have been hiked for only 3 percent of trains. The situation is being monitored to ensure restoration of services following the mandates prescribed by the government.

The Ministry added that higher prices are being seen as pro-active measures to prevent crowding in trains.